In a year filled with jaw-dropping athletic feats, Caitlin Clark once again dribbled her way into history books, earning the Associated Press (AP) Female Athlete of the Year title. Yet, as is customary in the realm of sports accolades, the road to celebration wasn’t paved without a few potholes of controversy.
The 74-member AP voting panel cast their ballots, awarding Clark 35 votes. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who continues to defy gravity and expectations, secured 25 votes, landing in second place. The real eyebrow-raiser, however, was the third-place finisher: boxer Imane Khelif, whose gold-medal performance at the Paris Olympics came with an extra round of public debates on gender norms and competition fairness. Khelif managed four votes, enough to light up social media with a mix of snark and side-eye.
Fans: Equal Parts Amused and Outraged
Clark’s victory wasn’t without its share of internet theatrics. Fans quickly referenced her TIME Athlete of the Year profile, where she candidly acknowledged her “white privilege.” That term, along with Clark’s knack for speaking her mind, fueled a flurry of mixed reactions.
“Must’ve been Caitlin Clark’s ‘privilege’ that got her named Female Athlete of the Year—because redefining women’s basketball, dominating the court, and literally being the best isn’t enough anymore,” quipped one sarcastic fan.
Others were less forgiving. One chimed in, “CC disappointed me with her white privilege talk, but she’s talented. Still, I’m glad to see an actual woman win and not someone paid to beat up women.” Ouch.
Meanwhile, Khelif’s surprising inclusion in the top three drew reactions ranging from amused disbelief to outright disdain. “Love the top two choices, but really? Couldn’t find one more deserving biological woman?” asked one commenter, delivering a verbal three-pointer of their own.
Rebecca Lobo Enters the Chat
Rebecca Lobo, a former AP Female Athlete of the Year and current ESPN analyst, swooped in to restore some order. Singing Clark’s praises, Lobo highlighted the young phenom’s impact on women’s basketball, including skyrocketing viewership and record-setting attendance.
“She’s brought unprecedented attention to the sport,” Lobo said, emphasizing Clark’s ability to fill arenas and attract eyeballs. Indeed, the WNBA enjoyed its highest total attendance in 22 years, with Clark’s Indiana Fever averaging a league-record 17,035 fans per home game.
Lobo also applauded Clark’s unflappable demeanor under scrutiny, calling her navigation of fame “almost flawless.” Almost.
“She hasn’t had any big missteps or misspeaks. It’s incredible, especially at a time when every word is magnified,” Lobo remarked.
The Bigger Picture
While some debate the nuances of Clark’s victory and Khelif’s surprising rise, one thing is clear: the world of sports is alive with passion, talent, and just the right amount of drama. Caitlin Clark continues to dazzle on the court, Simone Biles keeps soaring above the rest, and the internet remains undefeated in delivering hot takes.
What’s next for Clark? Perhaps a memoir titled Privilege and Points: How I Won Both. But for now, the newly crowned AP Female Athlete of the Year can bask in her well-deserved win—whether people think it’s privilege, prowess, or just pure luck.
