Caitlin Clark was not part of the initial selection for the United States Women’s Olympic Basketball Team, but still has a chance to represent the Stars and Stripes in Paris.
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Caitlin Reacts to Olympic Team Miss
Fox News reports that The Athletic’s Shams Charania said on Monday’s ‘Run It Back’ that Clark remains at the top of the injured reserve list. Caitlin responded to not making the Olympic team, stating that the news did not disappoint her.
“Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work towards; it is a dream. I hope one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. Do you remember this. I hope when four years go back I can be there.”
According to ESPNThe Indiana Fever basketball player also mentioned that despite not being part of the team, she is excited to support the women going to the Paris Olympics.
“I’m excited for the girls who are on the team, I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way – whether I was on the team or not. I will root for them to win gold. I was a kid who grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch.”
ESPN notes that no players under the age of 26 were included this year; Caitlin turns 22 in January. However, the U.S. has already added the WNBA’s No. 1 pick during an Olympics year, which Caitlin was this year.
When it comes to not being part of the Olympic team, Caitlin Clark only praises the 12 who were part: “it’s the hardest team to make”.
Clip: pic.twitter.com/LX59YA5Bzf
-Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 9, 2024
The Paris Olympics are scheduled from July 26th to August 11th.
Caitlin reflects on the camp invitation
In March, AP News reported that Caitlin Clark received an invite to the Olympic training camp at the Final Four in Cleveland, April 3-5. Her main goal was to take Iowa to the Final Four for a shot at the national championship. Reflecting on the invitation to the camp, Caitlin expressed her lifelong dream of making the Olympic team, calling it a highlight in her career.
“You always want to grow up and be on the Olympic team, but luckily for me, I have the opportunity to possibly not do that because I want to be in the Final Four playing basketball with my team. But if not, that’s where I’ll be. The people that are on this list are people that I idolized and idolized growing up. Just to receive an invite to camp is something you should be proud of, celebrate and enjoy.”
Clark talks about missing Chennedy Carter
In addition to sharing her reflections on not being selected for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team, Caitlin also addressed the question of whether she should have Chennedy Carter a public apology.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Chennedy Carter collided with Caitlin, causing her to fall to the ground during a play during the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago basketball game. Chicago Sky on Saturday (June 1). The incident occurred during the third quarter of the game.
After Chennedy kicked, Aliyah Boston prepared to throw the ball inbounds to Clark. In the replay, Chennedy can be seen shouting a few words before taking a look at Caitlin, causing her to fall to the ground.
“No, I mean basketball is competitive, I get it. Sometimes your emotions get the better of you, it happened to me several times throughout my career, people are competitive, that’s what they are. She’s having an incredible season, she played great basketball. Firstly as sixth player of the year, she has been great off the bench for them. That’s not where my focus is and that’s not what I think about on a daily basis. I think about my team, about ways to improve. It’s just basketball at the end of the day. At the end of the day, it’s a sport, it’s not going to be cool all the time.”
Caitlin Clark was asked if she owed a public apology from Chennedy Carter:
“No. … There are no hard feelings. There’s nothing like it. It’s a sport. It’s competitive. It’s not going to be cool all the time.” pic.twitter.com/ZZOujnXmis
-Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 7, 2024
However, when Chennedy was asked about the interaction after the fact, the Chicago Sky guard quickly dismissed the question. Later in the interview, when asked again about the incident, Chennedy explained that she didn’t want to discuss Caitlin.
“I’m not answering any questions from Caitlin Clark,” Chennedy said.
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