Could Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s meteor of a guard and everyone’s favorite to snag the WNBA Rookie of the Year, join the US Women’s Basketball Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics? Spoiler alert: it’s complicated.
Will Caitlin Clark be in the Olympics?
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games kick off with a bang on Friday, July 26, with the US Women’s National Basketball Team hitting the hardwood on Monday, July 29. However, Clark and her die-hard fanbase might want to pump the brakes on those celebratory fireworks—she didn’t make the cut. Shocker, right?
Clark had the Herculean task of breaking into a women’s squad already jam-packed with stars like Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Diana Taurasi, and A’ja Wilson. It’s like trying to join a rock band where every member is a lead guitarist. Talk about tough competition!
But wait, don’t toss your Clark jerseys into the bonfire just yet. There’s a glimmer of hope for those dreaming of seeing her don the red, white, and blue.
According to Sports Business Journal, Clark is the first alternate for the women’s team. Translation: if anyone on the roster twists an ankle, pulls a hammy, or, heaven forbid, gets a paper cut, Clark’s stepping in. It’s like being the understudy for Hamilton—you’re not on stage, but you’re one mishap away from the spotlight.
The US Men’s National Basketball Team had a similar drama, swapping out injured L.A. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard for Boston Celtics forward Derrick White. It’s practically tradition at this point.
Before Clark’s alternate status was confirmed, rumors swirled about her potentially jumping ship to the Italian national team. But in true patriotic fashion, Clark quashed those whispers faster than you can say “ciao.” So, while she might not be suiting up for Italy, her Olympic dreams for Team USA are still alive—just hanging by a thread.
So there you have it. Caitlin Clark’s Olympic debut hangs in the balance, a thrilling “what if” scenario for basketball fans everywhere. Keep those fingers crossed, folks. You never know when fate (or a poorly timed cramp) might call Clark to Paris.
