Everyone knows how controversial it was for Caitlin Clark to win TIME Athlete of the Year. The backlash she faced was unprecedented, even after addressing important issues like racism and discrimination. From team owners calling for the entire league to be featured on the magazine’s front page to people spewing baseless hate, it was a tough time for Clark. However, the Indiana Fever star stood her ground. She recognized the privilege she had as a straight, white athlete and gave credit where it was due.
Now that A’ja Wilson has also been featured on the cover of the Times for their annual Women of the Year issue, the narratives are beginning to change. The WNBA MVP had a lot to say about the rookie’s remarks. “It’s powerful to me. As a Black woman in the WNBA, we have our struggles in showcasing who we really are.” She said when asked what she thought of CC’s exclamations.
A’ja Wilson spoke of the agendas pushed on black women, and how they need to work ten times harder just to be seen. “So when we can have our counterparts speak up, it speaks volumes to me, because they’re in spaces where my path is never supposed to go.” The Aces star acknowledged the blowback that Clark got, and said that they live in a world where people want to drag them down to the bottom.
WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and gymnast Jordan Chiles became fast friends in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics.
For TIME’s annual Women of the Year issue, the athletes reunite for a conversation about a game-changing year in women’s sports https://t.co/azDx5uxuax pic.twitter.com/iPixvyBLUx
— TIME (@TIME) February 20, 2025
But the CC’s sentiment was appreciated by the WNBA vet. “We see where people stand up and speak for us.” A’ja Wilson said, commending the rookie and her efforts.
The star power that Caitlin Clark brought into the league was amazing but her sensitivity was something no one could have expected. This wasn’t the first time the Fever star got candid with the press, however, as she also spoke out about the Olympics snub she faced last year.
Caitlin Clark Olympic snub a motivation for her career
The whole basketball world was shocked when Caitlin Clark was left off of the Olympics squad for Team USA. Everyone, including fans and experts alike, had thought that the Fever star would play at the largest stage. However, she was not selected for the team that was headed to Paris.
In an article on olympics.com, Caitlin Clark talked about the unfortunate snub and the weird narratives surrounding her. “I don’t want to be there because I’m somebody that can bring attention,” Clark said. “I love that for the game of women’s basketball. But at the same time, I want to be there because they think I’m good enough.”
The narrative that she should have gone with the USA team just because of her popularity made her sick. “That whole narrative kind of upset me. Because that is not fair.” CC said that it was disrespectful to the people that were on the team, and of herself.
Caitlin Clark now has her eyes set on the LA 2028 games. When asked how he responded to the loss, he said that it “will definitely motivate me my entire career”. A motivated CC is a scary CC, and we all cannot wait to see it!
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