The decision to leave Caitlin Clark off Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics resulted in much outrage among fans. Many argued that Clark should’ve been part of the team, not only due to her performances on the court, but also because of the popularity she enjoys.
An excerpt from Christine Brennan’s new book “On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports” suggested that the Indiana star had been offered a spot on the US women’s 3x3 team instead but turned it down.
“Did Clark want to go to Paris on this U.S. team? The answer from Clark and her team was simple: No. She did not want to play 3x3 basketball at the Olympics,” Brennan wrote.
According to Brennan, it would’ve been a different conversation had the Fever guard been offered a spot on the 5x5 team instead.
"Something to work for": Caitlin Clark on being snubbed from Team USA's 5x5 team
Caitlin Clark wasn’t overly disappointed after being left off Team USA’s roster for the Paris Olympics. Instead, the Indiana Fever star viewed the snub as motivation and believes that not being selected gives her “something to work for.”
“It's a dream," Clark told reporters in June 2024. "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, I can be there."
Rather than sulking over the snub, Clark said she was looking forward to being a part of Team USA for the next Olympics.
She has taken another step forward in her second WNBA season, averaging 19.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game. Clark has led the Indiana Fever to seventh place in the standings at 6-7.
The team returns to the court on Tuesday to face the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.