Olympic gold medalist backs Caitlin Clark after political activist slams Fever star’s comments on Black players
Olympic track gold medalist Gabby Thomas has responded firmly to political activist and former swimmer Riley Gaines, who made strong remarks about Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark regarding her comments on Black players in the WNBA.
Gaines shared her thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) about Clark’s comments regarding how Black players in the WNBA also needed to be recognized for what they have done for the league after she was selected as TIME Athlete of the Year. Gaines said the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year did not have to say what she did and was better off staying “neutral.”
“No one was asking for Caitlin Clark to position herself as a right-wing hero. All she needed to do was remain neutral. She’s a phenom who inspires countless young girls to play & achieve, so I still have great admiration for her, but she missed the mark on this one.”
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The comment did not sit well with Thomas, who won three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and suggested that Gaines just keep her comments to herself.
She wrote in her post:
“Girl are you fr??? You don’t have to share your opinion on everything, just sit this one out.”
Caitlin Clark was recognized as TIME Athlete of the Year for channeling focus not only to the WNBA but to women’s sports in general. Her rise to fame, however, continues to be a source of debate for many.
Looking back at when Gabby Thomas showed support to Caitlin Clark and the Fever
Gabby Thomas’ recent comment wasn’t the first time she expressed support for Caitlin Clark. She was present at one of the Indiana Fever’s games following her gold medal conquest at the Paris Olympic Games.
Joined by gymnastics legend Simone Biles, Thomas attended the Fever’s 84-80 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 28. After the game, the two Olympians surprised Clark and her teammates by welcoming them in the hallway as they made their way to the locker room.
Thomas shared what happened at that moment on the sidelines of the 2024 New York City Marathon, where she served as the Grand Marshal:
“Simone and I went to the Fever game, which was incredible. The energy in that stadium was fantastic.”
She went on to speak about the significance of it:
“It’s so great to see the support and excitement athletes have for one another. We’re so engrossed in our own sports and our own worlds, then you realize, ‘Oh, we’re all supporting and watching each other.'”
Clark is the second individual female athlete to earn the title of TIME Athlete of the Year, following Biles.
