Caitlin Clark is incomes some recognition for her spectacular 2024.
Even forward of the Time Particular person of the 12 months announcement, the journal did launch its Athlete of the 12 months.
It’s no shock that Caitlin obtained this honor.
She’s a breakout star of the WNBA, and also you don’t need to be a basketball fan to know that.
After this 12 months, Caitlin Clark wants no introduction
In 2024, Caitlin Clark loved a breakout rookie season within the WNBA.
The Indiana Fever participant can be now pals with Taylor Swift, who has had a monumental 12 months herself.
Caitlin is now so well-known throughout 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.
On December 10, alongside the polarizing brief listing for Time‘s 2024 Person of the Year, Time revealed that Caitlin Clark is the magazine’s Athlete of the 12 months.
The protection consists of how Caitlin’s buddy Taylor, who was Time’s Particular person of the 12 months in 2023, showered her with items, 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 look at Caitlin play now that the Eras Tour is over.
Caitlin Clark has broad recognition, 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 realized an awesome deal concerning the world of sports activities over the previous 12 months or so. Nonetheless, Caitlin’s success on the courtroom has translated into fame even past Taylor’s large sphere of affect. Not dangerous for a 22-year-old “rookie.”
In actual fact, whereas it in fact is smart to spotlight Taylor and Caitlin’s friendship, Caitlin isn’t getting Athlete of the 12 months as a result of Taylor’s rising tide lifts all boats (or no matter).
She’s a phenomenal 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.
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.”