USA women’s basketball team secured their second win at the 2024 Summer Olympics with an 87-74 triumph over Belgium. Despite not being on the team, Caitlin Clark’s influence remains significant. Clark’s exclusion from the Olympic squad has sparked backlash from fans, as her presence has greatly amplified interest in women’s basketball.
The decision to leave Clark out was made by a selection committee that included Dawn Staley, head coach of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team. Staley’s recent praise of Clark, highlighting her ability to unite basketball fans, has only intensified the criticism from those who feel Clark deserved a spot on the team.
Clark has garnered widespread admiration for her achievements in college basketball and her promising start in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever. Staley’s commendation of Clark’s impact adds to the argument that she should be representing the USA on such a significant stage.
Though Clark is expected to join Team USA in future international competitions, her omission from the 2024 Olympics remains a contentious issue among fans. They believe her talents and contributions to the sport warranted her inclusion in the Olympic squad, and her absence is seen as a missed opportunity for the team and for showcasing one of basketball’s rising stars on the world stage.
