Caitlin Clark reaction to Sabrina Ionescu Olympics gold medal post speaks volumes
Caitlin Clark was controversially left out of Team USA despite clearly being a player who the team needed in its close gold medal game with her giving her reaction to the win
Caitlin Clark has liked and commented on Sabrina Ionescu’s social media post after Team USA won the women’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics.
Team USA just about defeated France on Sunday by a scoreline of 68-67 in the final, with Clark’s name trending at the time with the team in need of some efficient scoring toward the end of the game. Nevertheless, Team USA did achieve its objective of bringing home gold – with A’ja Wilson almost single-handedly guiding them to victory.
And after Ionescu posted an image with her gold medal on Instagram, Clark commented three fire emojis – showing her support of the team despite missing out on a gold medal herself. Clark’s omission from the team was certainly notable, with the consensus opinion appearing to be that the Indiana Fever rookie deserved a spot.
Speaking to The Athletic, Team USA women’s basketball national team committee chair Jen Rizzotti stated that the decision to not include Clark was a “basketball decision” that had little to do with the player’s unparalleled popularity.
After not being selected, Clark told IndyStar. “I wouldn’t say I’m bummed… It gives you something to work for, I’m sure, and something to dream of, and in four years you can be there. Four years comes fast. That’s your time in college, and I feel like I was just a freshman in college.
“It shows you that you’ve got to start working now if you want that to be your dream in four years. That’s it for me – work hard and hopefully you can be there.”
Team USA shot made two three-pointers in the game while attempting 12 – an area where Clark would have greatly helped as one of the league’s best shooters – while the team struggled offensively throughout with Wilson scoring 21 while Kahleah Cooper and Kelsey Plum added 12 each.
Clark is averaging 17.1 points, a league-leading 8.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, with her quickly turning her attention back to the WNBA. Her Indiana Fever remain in playoff contention, where they will hope to make the postseason for the first time since 2016 – the longest drought in the league, tied with Angel Reese’ Chicago Sky.
