Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub has been a matter of debate for quite a while. Despite shattering viewership records and delivering impressive gameplay, she wasn’t on Team USA’s roster for Paris. According to Dawn Staley, Clark “wasn’t playing like she’s playing now” at the time of selection. And that’s how Caitlin Clark missed out on what could have been her first Olympic gold this year. Despite missing out on a medal, there’s something she surely won.

It’s a break! On August 13th, Locked On Women’s Basketball host Missy Heidrick joined forces with Tony East to discuss a range of topics around the WNBA. How could they not talk about Clark? “I don’t know if Caitlin Clark has a break usually and especially when as is the case for every rookie,” East begins, highlighting the WNBA season that trails right along the college season’s end. So the Olympic year has only arrived as a boon which three of 4 draft classes miss out on.

“There’s this gap for Caitlin Clark. That’s very lucky it happens to be an Olympic year,” he adds. Having gotten to interview the players over the break, East conveys how it has been a ‘reset mentally and/or physically for the players, which eventually becomes valuable. “It only happens once every four years for a reason so obviously it can affect the way you are playing but it is refreshing,” he concludes.

For Clark, her rookie season would have looked quite different if she were on the Olympic team. Sure, she would have gotten a medal around her neck, but there are cons too—tiredness and not having time to relax are among them.

In fact, it’s the first time since March 2023 that she has received an extended break during the WNBA’s 24-day pause for the Olympics. Want to know how it feels? “I honestly can’t wait to not touch a basketball for a while,” she told The New York Times ahead of the break.

Sure enough, Clark’s blessed, as rookies hyped like her haven’t been on vacation.

Caitlin Clark has an edge over others

Just like Clark, A’ja Wilson enjoyed similar recognition when she was the overall No. 1 draft pick by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft. She was already a sensation when she played collegiate basketball under coach Dawn Staley. Before making it to the draft, she helped her team, the Gamecocks, secure their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017. Right after this, she was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces. It was from here that her schedule intensified.

She then played tirelessly to establish herself in the ranks while claiming the Rookie of the Year award. Thanks to her performance, she ended up on the national squad that won gold at the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Did you notice something? Throughout the journey, she did not have a break. There’s many other players who stand in a similar position.

Kelsey Plum, Jewell Loyd, Jackie Young, and nearly every rookie, all shared the same schedule of starting with the WNBA as soon as their NCAA seasons were brought to a stop. Not only that, but the players would soon proceed to play overseas during the off season.

Sabrina Ionescu as well, did not have the privilege to be drafted during the Olympic year with the games being shifted to 2021, though injury did occupy her entire campaign. What do you think? Is Clark’s Olympic snub a blessing in disguise?

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.