Caitlin Clark will not be heading to Paris to represent Team USA at the Olympics next month. The basketball superstar, who was this year’s number one WNBA draft pick, said that there was “no disappointment” on her end about the decision, which was leaked this weekend.
Someone released the names of the 12 members reportedly picked by USA Basketball to join the women’s team on Saturday before organizers were able to make a formal announcement. The news was first reported by The Athletic and later confirmed by other sports outlets like ESPN.
Clarke’s name did not appear on the list, nor did any of the names her fellow fan favorite rookies Angel Reese and Cameron Brink. The youngest members of the team are 26-year-olds Sabrina Ionescu and Jackie Young.
Clarke, who is aged 22 and in her first year with the Indiana Fever, said that she was already aware of the decision before the news came out.
“They called me and let me know before everything came out, which was really respectful of them, and I appreciated that,” she told reporters.
“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team. I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way.
“I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch them.”
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here.
Clarke, who is averaging 16.8 points so far this season, said that the decision has only motivated her further.
The record-breaker is credited with changing the face of women’s basketball, with her NCAA title game in April drawing more viewers then the men’s final for the first time ever.
Her next dream is to make an Olympic Games. She said: “It just gives me something to work for; it’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there.
“I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there.”
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here.