Caitlin Clark notably missed the final cut for the U.S. women’s basketball team heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and this has sparked quite a bit of controversy within the sports community. It’s been two years since this all started, but it feels like the fallout is still echoing throughout various sports, catching the attention of Olympic athletes from different nations.
Recently, eight Olympians from three different countries spoke out, criticizing the WNBA’s handling of Clark’s situation. They reacted to various incidents, including a physical altercation where another player struck Clark and an incident where she was seen visibly upset in front of an official.
Nancy Hogshead, three-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer
“The WNBA must muster the courage to decisively protect all athletes,” Hogshead expressed. “Caitlin Clark is a generational talent who deserves the same safety measures as everyone else. We cannot stand by while dangerous actions go unchecked. Throwing punches is not just ‘part of the game.’ It’s unacceptable. The WNBA must enforce its rules, hold violators accountable, and prioritize player safety.”
Anthony Watson, first Jamaican Olympian in skeleton
Watson shared his perspective as well, reflecting on the essential nature of sports. He believes the focus should be on competition, not on personal narratives. “Caitlin has proved herself on the court, yet the conversation veered off toward her identity instead of her achievements,” he said. He noted the repeated hard fouls against her and how the narrative could shift if roles were reversed, hinting at issues related to race. “Her presence has drawn significant attention to the WNBA, which is vital for the sport’s growth,” he added.
Donna de Varona, two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer
De Varona pointed out the larger implications of the criticism directed toward Clark. “The backlash she faces is both disrespectful and narrow-minded,” she stated. “Talented athletes uplift everyone in sports. Players who fail to recognize this are undermining the WNBA’s potential.”
Katie Uhlaender, American skeleton athlete and five-time Olympian
“When I first saw that hit, I was shocked,” Uhlaender remarked. She emphasized that player safety should not be a political issue and that all athletes deserve fair play without the game becoming about officiating controversies. “What is the WNBA doing to ensure that officiating maintains integrity?” she questioned.
Steffen Gebhardt, Olympian and modern pentathlon champion
Gebhardt added his thoughts, highlighting that sports leagues should be focused on promoting the sport and the athletes. “If the league’s narrative becomes one of drama detached from the actual sport, it only harms the athletes,” he pointed out.
Eli Bremer, US Modern Pentathlete
Bremer didn’t hold back either. “The WNBA has struggled to build a strong league instead of simply trying to create a social movement,” he noted. He sees the current situation as a lost opportunity for a standout player like Clark and believes the league needs to prioritize serious sports operations over drama.
Inga Thompson, American cyclist and three-time Olympian
Thompson remarked on the media’s focus, suggesting that the narrative has strayed too far from celebrating Clark’s athleticism. “Let’s support her, her teammates, and the WNBA as a whole,” she encouraged.
Carrie Englert Zimmerman, U.S. gymnast from Montreal 1976
Zimmerman asserted that the WNBA fell short in protecting Clark. “Every player deserves the same level of protection,” she concluded, calling for consistent enforcement of the rules rather than allowing situations that lead to cheap shots.
