Barack Obama Weighs In on Caitlin Clark’s Fame, Urges Her to Ignore the Haters
Barack Obama encouraged Caitlin Clark to stay focused and not let criticism get in her way ahead of the 2026 All-Star WNBA game.
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Barack Obama and Caitlin Clark (Image/First Sportz)
Former United States President Barack Obama offered Caitlin Clark some personal advice on handling fame and public scrutiny during a conversation at WNBA All-Star practice in Chicago on Friday.
Obama made a surprise appearance at the practice, which took place at his new Presidential Center. The former president spent time meeting several WNBA players before speaking privately with Clark, who has faced intense attention since entering the league.
Obama shared his own experience with fame and explained why he believed he had an advantage over Clark when he entered the public spotlight.
You’re great. You’re fantastic. Don’t let all this nonsense get you down. I always say one of the luckiest things for me was I didn’t get famous ’til I was like 45. So I was an old man. I mean, you’re my daughter’s age. They’ve not had that much immersion, nonsense. So don’t lose that joy. The game’s like the game. And you’re a hooper. And you’re on a nice little run right now.
Barack Obama said to Caitlin Clark
Obama also encouraged Clark to continue focusing on basketball and not lose sight of what she enjoys about the sport. Clark has dealt with considerable attention since joining the WNBA. The Indiana Fever star has become a central figure in discussions surrounding the growth of women’s basketball while also facing scrutiny over her performances and incidents on the court.
The pressure surrounding Clark intensified after a June incident involving Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas. Thomas received a retroactive flagrant foul and a one-game suspension after pressing her fist into Clark’s throat during a game.
The incident also led to wider debate surrounding the treatment of Clark and the racial and cultural tensions within the WNBA. The controversy grew after USA Today columnist Nancy Armour published a column that drew criticism for comparing Clark’s on-court conduct to the 1955 lynching of Emmett Till. Armour later updated the column following the backlash.
Caitlin Clark shares details of her encounter with Barack Obama
Caitlin Clark later spoke about her conversation with Barack Obama during her media availability on Friday. She said the former president complimented her for the way she has handled the attention surrounding her career.
It was obviously super cool. He complimented me for how I handle everything, obviously with everything going on. He’s somebody that has been in front of the media quite a bit, and he reminded me, ‘When I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s. Sometimes I think people don’t always realise I’m 24 years old and trying to navigate a lot of different things while trying to play basketball at the same time. It was cool to hear that from him, and it’s probably a good reminder for all of us to treat people with respect and grace. It’s definitely a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life. My hands usually don’t get sweaty or clammy, but it did for that.
Caitlin Clark said via media
Clark said the interaction also reminded her that people may forget she is still only 24 while navigating the demands of professional basketball and life in the public eye. Clark also said the conversation would remain memorable for her.
Clark added that the interaction could serve as a reminder for people to treat others with “respect” and “grace.” She is set to make her third All-Star Game appearance as a starter, leading Team Teresa Weatherspoon against Team Cynthia Cooper.
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