Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas jumped to Caitlin Clark’s defense this week after the WNBA star was attacked by conservative activist Riley Gaines.
As part of winning TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, Clark gave an extensive interview in which she discussed many aspects of her fame, including how race has played a role in her status.
But her comments, in which she acknowledged her “white privilege,” sparked controversy online, with OutKick founder Clay Travis and Dave Portnoy among others criticizing the Indiana Fever superstar.
Gaines, who rose to fame as an All-American swimmer at Kentucky and has actively campaigned against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, including competitor Lia Thomas, was also among those who questioned Clark’s statement.
“No one asked for Caitlin Clark to position herself as a right-wing hero. All she had to do was stay neutral,” Gaines said on social media.
“She is a phenomenon who inspires countless young girls to play and achieve, so I still have great admiration for her, but on this point she has missed the mark.”
Caitlin Clark was honored earlier this week with TIME’s 2024 Athlete of the Year award
Gabby Thomas (L) punched Riley Gaines (R) after she criticized the WNBA superstar
The Olympian slammed Gaines after she criticized Clark for her “white privilege” comments
But Thomas, who won three gold medals in Paris this summer, hit back at the former university swimmer.
‘Girl are you fr??? You don’t have to share your opinion on everything, just explain it,” the Olympic star posted, quoting Gaines’ response.
Clark had addressed the issue in an interview with TIME, who named her Athlete of the Year for 2024 in response to her breakout year with Indiana Fever.
Clark, 22, said the WNBA is “built on” black players and that “white privilege exists.”
Clark found herself at the center of a racing firestorm during her first season in the WNBA, amid accusations that she was the victim of jealousy and bullying.
Clark won the TIME Award after increasing the popularity of the WNBA. Upon her arrival, the sharpshooter caused a spike in the competition’s viewership and attendance.
Her performances justified the following as she collected an unpresented number and broke standing records.
Before turning pro, Clark built a wide following with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she led the team to back-to-back title games despite losing both. She became the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft and helped the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Clark secured Rookie of the Year honors while finishing fourth in the MVP voting.