In a year where Caitlin Clark has been rewriting the history books and redefining what it means to be a rookie, her crowning as the Associated Press (AP) Female Athlete of the Year in 2024 seemed like a slam dunk. After all, her debut WNBA season wasn’t just stellar—it was stratospheric. But, as always, sports awards couldn’t escape controversy, and this time it came wrapped in the boxing gloves of Olympic boxer Imane Khelif, who snagged a few votes amidst a sea of social media eye-rolls.
Let’s break this down: Clark raked in 35 of the 74 votes, leaving the likes of Simone Biles and Khelif sparring for runner-up positions. Biles, an undeniable gymnastics GOAT, garnered 25 votes—a number no one really questions. But Khelif, who managed to punch her way to four votes amidst a whirlwind of gender-debate controversies, has left fans scratching their heads and flexing their thumbs in protest on Twitter.
Fans Throw Jabs at the Voting Panel
“Khelif getting votes? Who’s in charge of this panel, a boxing kangaroo?” one fan quipped. Another sarcastically remarked, “Must be nice to redefine an entire sport like Clark and still have people think your biggest competition is Twitter discourse.”
Khelif’s Paris Olympics run was less about boxing prowess and more about cultural conversations surrounding gender debates, a topic that brought her more headlines than medals. Unsurprisingly, her inclusion on the ballot felt more like a political statement than a celebration of athletic achievement to many fans.
Meanwhile, Clark herself seemed unfazed, continuing to juggle fan meet-and-greets, sold-out games, and a meteoric rise that makes Hollywood blockbusters look like indie films.
Caitlin Clark: The Rookie Who Stole the Show (and Hearts)
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that Clark has single-handedly catapulted the WNBA into uncharted territory. The Indiana Fever rookie wasn’t just breaking ankles on the court—she was shattering attendance records. With her team averaging over 17,000 fans per game and WNBA viewership up by a staggering 48%, it’s safe to say Clark didn’t just have a rookie season; she orchestrated a full-blown basketball renaissance.
“She’s the face of the WNBA and the future of women’s basketball,” ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo declared. “We’ve never seen someone command this much attention and still perform under pressure.”
Clark’s off-court presence hasn’t been without its polarizing moments, though. Her TIME Athlete of the Year profile touched on topics like privilege and race, earning both praise and side-eye emojis from fans. “She disappointed me with her privilege talk, but credit where it’s due—she’s a baller,” one fan tweeted begrudgingly.
Boxing, Basketball, and Big Debates
The Khelif vote drama highlights a broader cultural conversation about the evolving definitions of competition, inclusion, and recognition in sports. Some fans expressed frustration that the AP panel seemed more interested in stirring the pot than celebrating pure athletic dominance.
But while the chatter roars on, Caitlin Clark keeps her head down, doing what she does best—winning games and redefining greatness.
As Clark’s rookie year fades into the record books, one thing remains clear: whether you’re Team Clark, Team Biles, or Team “What the Heck Was That Vote?” her impact on sports is undeniable. And as for Khelif? Maybe she’ll stick to the ring next time instead of diving into Twitter’s battle royale.
