Caitlin Clark is incomes some recognition for her spectacular 2024.
Even forward of the Time Individual of the Yr announcement, the journal did launch its Athlete of the Yr.
It’s no shock that Caitlin acquired this honor.
She’s a breakout star of the WNBA, and also you don’t must be a basketball fan to know that.
Caitlin Clark #22 of Staff WNBA seems to be on previous to the sport in opposition to Staff USA within the 2024 WNBA All Star Sport at Footprint Heart on July 20, 2024. (Photograph Credit score: Alex Slitz/Getty Photos)
After this yr, Caitlin Clark wants no introduction
In 2024, Caitlin Clark loved a breakout rookie season within the WNBA.
The Indiana Fever participant can be now associates with Taylor Swift, who has had a monumental yr herself.
Caitlin is now so well-known inside the world of sports activities that she has damaged containment. Even individuals who’ve by no means voluntarily watched a minute of basketball know her identify.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball whereas being guarded by Sydney Colson #51 of the Las Vegas Aces within the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 11, 2024. (Photograph Credit score: Dylan Buell/Getty Photos)
On December 10, alongside the polarizing quick listing for Time‘s 2024 Person of the Year, Time revealed that Caitlin Clark is the magazine’s Athlete of the Yr.
The protection contains how Caitlin’s pal Taylor, who was Time’s Individual of the Yr in 2023, showered her with presents, reward, and encouragement.
Along with 4 baggage of Eras Tour merch, Taylor praised Caitlin as an inspiration in a word. Amongst different issues, the letter invited Caitlin to attend a Chiefs recreation with Taylor, and expressed pleasure to observe Caitlin play now that the Eras Tour is over.
Skilled basketball participant Caitlin Clark seems to be on from the sixth inexperienced previous to The ANNIKA pushed by Gainbridge at Pelican 2024 at Pelican Golf Membership on November 13, 2024. (Photograph Credit score: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Photos)
Caitlin Clark has broad reputation, on and off the courtroom
“People are just going crazy that I’m there,” Caitlin commented after Taylor’s followers all however mobbed her on the Eras Tour.
“I thought people would be so in their own world, ready to see Taylor,” she commented. “And it was just completely the opposite.”
It’s true that many Swifties have discovered an important deal concerning the world of sports activities over the previous yr or so. Nonetheless, Caitlin’s success on the courtroom has translated into fame even past Taylor’s large sphere of affect. Not unhealthy for a 22-year-old “rookie.”
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever advances the ball in the course of the second half of a first-round WNBA playoff recreation in opposition to the Connecticut Solar at Mohegan Solar Area on September 22, 2024. (Photograph Credit score: Joe Buglewicz/Getty Photos)
The truth is, whereas it in fact is smart to spotlight Taylor and Caitlin’s friendship, Caitlin isn’t getting Athlete of the Yr as a result of Taylor’s rising tide lifts all boats (or no matter).
She’s an outstanding athlete.
And, vitally, she’s drawing consideration to ladies in sports activities the place, in comparison with male counterparts, ladies are underpaid and underappreciated. That, greater than something, is why individuals may know who she is with out following basketball herself.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever seems to be on as she performs the Connecticut Solar in the course of the first quarter of Sport Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first spherical at Mohegan Solar Area on September 25, 2024. (Photograph Credit score: Joe Buglewicz/Getty Photos)
She is aware of that she’s not the one star athlete?
“I’ve been able to captivate so many people that have never watched women’s sports, let alone women’s basketball, and turn them into fans,” Caitlin acknowledged.
“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” she then affirmed.
“A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players,” Caitlin famous. “This league has kind of been built on them.”
