Fans absolutely loved Caitlin Clark’s classy response to getting left off Team USA’s Olympic squad

She handled it like a total pro.

When USA Basketball released its 12-player roster for the women’s team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, plenty of basketball fans were surprised to see Caitlin Clark’s name excluded from the list. Clark — the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer — was coming off a 30-point performance when the roster was announced, and it sparked a massive debate about decision.

Clark, though, is not among those disappointed. Instead, she’s going to use the exclusion as motivation.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the Indiana Fever rookie was asked about USA Basketball’s decision. Clark took the approach of wishing the selected players well and hoping they win gold in Paris. She also said that she understood the decision given how difficult it is to narrow down a stacked U.S. talent pool to just 12 players.

Clark said:

“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team. I know it’s the most competitive team in the world. I know it could have gone either way — me being on the team, me not being on the team. And so I’m excited for them. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics. So, it’ll be fun to watch them.”

She continued when asked about her level of disappointment:

“Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for. It’s a dream. Hopefully one day I’ll be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that and hopefully in four years, I can be there.”

It will also be a much-needed break after playing basketball for 10 months. Fans especially loved how Clark handled being left off the roster.

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