Caitlin Clark Praised For Classy Response to Olympic Snub

The Team USA women's 5v5 team began its 2024 Paris Olympics schedule with a matchup against Japan on Monday.

The United States squad is stacked with WNBA talent. But, despite a sensational performance in the first half of her rookie campaign, Caitlin Clark was left off the 12-woman roster.

The decision to leave Clark at home sparked great controversy around the basketball world.

The Indiana Fever rookie was understandably upset when she wasn't given the opportunity to represent her country, but she responded to the snub with some serious class.

"I think it just gives you something to work for," Clark said after the final roster was announced earlier this summer. "It's a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it's just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully, when four years comes back, I can be there."

"I'm excited for the girls that are on the team," Clark continued. "I know it's the most competitive team in the world, and I know it could have gone either way of me being on the team or me not being on the team. I'm excited for them. Going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics. It'll be fun to watch them."

Clark helped Team WNBA to victory over Team USA in this year's WNBA All-Star Game, recording an all-time rookie record of 10 assists in the process.

Clark and the Fever will resume their 2024 WNBA season with a matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on August 16.

Related: Caitlin Clark is Blowing Up Online Before Team USA's Olympic Opener