Caitlin Clark insists she doesn’t “benefit” from missing the Olympics, despite having to watch her WNBA rivals compete in Paris from the couch.
Clark, the biggest star in women’s basketball, was controversially left off the roster for Team USA for the Games in France this summer.
The No. 1 draft pick has instead enjoyed a brief break during her WNBA rookie season, reading, relaxing and following the action from afar.
Clark previously said it would be a “dream” to compete in the Olympics, but she said this rejection would serve as motivation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
When asked if she was “bummed” about not being in Paris, Clark replied, “No, I think the break has definitely been good.
Caitlin Clark insists she is not ‘disappointed’ to miss the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
The Indiana Fever star is back on the practice field after a short break from the WNBA
“It’s definitely cool – an opportunity that only comes around once every four years. So I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily disappointed, it gives you something to work for, something to dream about.
‘In four years you can be there and four years goes fast. That’s your time at university… it shows you that you have to start working now if you want this to be your dream in four years. That’s what it is for me – work hard and hopefully you can be there.’
The Indiana Fever star, who has returned to training, added: ‘I’ve watched quite a bit of it. I watched USA Women yesterday – that was fun. I watched USA Men. I’ve tried to watch as much as I can… maybe (coach) Christie (Sides) should cancel training so I can watch more!’
Without the former Iowa star, Team USA plays its second group match against Belgium on Thursday, following a stunning 102-76 victory over Japan.
Clark is back on the practice range with the Fever this week after a short vacation – her first real vacation since her sophomore year of college.
Without the former Iowa star, Team USA claimed a stunning 102-76 victory over Japan on Monday
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“The refreshing of any point of view is really healthy and something I needed,” she said. “I read a book, I didn’t spend a lot of time on my phone, it was really nice. I just relaxed — it was definitely weird,” she said.
Clark admitted she was “exhausted” – mentally, emotionally and physically – after a dismal rookie season. She also took the opportunity to enjoy the sun.
“I still look really pale and I still don’t get any sun,” she joked.
“But I’m going to try and play more golf over the holidays, I haven’t been this year yet. I’ve got new clubs to break in and see how they swing.”