US Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland Defends the Decision to Exclude Caitlin Clark from the USA Basketball Team Amidst Controversy

In a recent podcast episode of Bloomberg Business of Sports, Sarah Hirshland, the CEO of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, weighed in on the surprising omission of WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark from the USA basketball team.

Hirshland described the selection process as “very disciplined,” aiming to shed light on the decision that left Clark off the 12-player roster.

The decision to include veteran Diana Taurasi over Clark sparked considerable debate, especially given Clark’s standout performance.

Despite the confusion among some fans and analysts, Hirshland expressed confidence in the process.

She emphasized that USA Basketball’s approach is guided by experts with unparalleled knowledge of women’s basketball, ensuring that they make the best decisions.

“The women have consistently won gold medals, and we hope they’ve done it right again for another victory,” Hirshland noted.

The Multiyear Selection Process

Hirshland also pointed out that Clark’s absence could be partly attributed to her lack of participation in the team’s qualifying rounds. She explained that the selection process spans several years and involves rigorous qualification steps.

“It’s not guaranteed that the US will qualify for the Games,” Hirshland added.

“It’s a lengthy process.”

Caitlin Clark’s Achievements

Although Clark didn’t make the Olympic squad, her career continues to impress. She has made notable strides in the WNBA, setting records and leading the Indiana Fever with her performance.

Clark is currently averaging 17.1 points per game and a league-leading 8.2 assists, showcasing her significant impact in the league.

Upcoming Olympic Games

As the USA women’s basketball team prepares for their Olympic campaign, they will kick off their games against Japan on Monday. Following their tuneup victory over Germany, the team will face Belgium and Germany again in group play, aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal.