Caitlin Clark's Olympic Snub, F1 Dream Team, and Soccer Contracts.
My Opinion on Clark being left out of the US Women's Basketball Team
Caitlin Clark's Olympic Snub: A Missed Opportunity for Women's Basketball
The exclusion of Caitlin Clark from the U.S. Women's Olympic basketball team is not just a mistake; it's a glaring oversight that underscores a lack of strategic vision for the future of women's basketball. I believe this decision reflects a failure to capitalize on a transformative moment.
Caitlin Clark has been a revelation, setting viewership records and igniting a new wave of interest in women's basketball. Her impact on the sport is undeniable. Clark has drawn unprecedented attention to a league that has historically struggled with visibility and financial stability.
Clark's journey in the WNBA has already begun to translate her college fame into professional stardom, bringing new fans and significant media attention. This season, the league has seen growth in attendance and increased media coverage, largely due to Clark's influence. It's puzzling, then, that the powers that be have chosen to exclude her from the Olympic roster.
The Olympics represent the pinnacle of international sports, a global stage where athletes become household names due to the over 3 Billion viewers globally.
For many outside the U.S., women's basketball remains a very small niche interest, overshadowed by other sports like soccer. Including Clark in the Olympic team would have been an opportunity to introduce her story to a worldwide audience, significantly enhancing the profile of the sport on a global scale. Just as the Olympics and Women’s World Cup were major reasons why people outside of the US learned who Alex Morgan was.
In the U.S., Caitlin Clark is already a sensation, but her fame hasn't yet crossed many borders. The Olympics could have changed that, allowing her to showcase her talent to millions of new fans. This exposure would have had a ripple effect, drawing more attention to the WNBA and helping to grow the sport internationally.
By leaving her off the team, the decision-makers missed a chance to leverage her popularity for the greater good of women's basketball.
As Colin Cowherd aptly put it,
"Life gives you few big waves. When they do, grab your surfboard."
Caitlin Clark is one of those big waves for women's basketball, and by not including her in the Olympic team, the decision-makers have missed an invaluable opportunity. It's not just about Clark; it's about what she represents and the potential she has to elevate the entire sport.
The decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the Olympic roster, in my opinion, is a short-sighted one that overlooks the bigger picture of basketball's growth and potential for women.
Clark's influence could have transcended borders, bringing new fans and greater economic opportunities to women's basketball. This snub isn't just a loss for Caitlin Clark; it's a loss for the sport as a whole.
A sport that’s trying to grow and compete for attention, and the dollars that come with it, must think and act a little differently to maximize opportunities.
According to reports, the rationale for excluding Caitlin Clark is that she is relatively new and hasn't had sufficient time to integrate with the team and learn the system. While I understand and acknowledge these points, they fall short in this context. Given that the U.S. Women's team has won every Olympic gold since 1996, I think they can take a small risk for the potentially massive benefits Clark's inclusion would bring.
F1 Dream Team: The Dawn of a New Era for Ferrari?
The landscape of Formula One is poised for a seismic shift as rumours swirl about Adrian Newey potentially joining Ferrari.
This speculation, coupled with the potential pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc under Newey’s technical genius, could herald a new golden era for the iconic Scuderia Ferrari.
Let’s take a look at this potential Dream Team trio.
Adrian Newey: The Mastermind Behind the Machine
Adrian Newey is no stranger to success. With a storied career that spans multiple championship victories across different teams, his potential move to Ferrari is more than just a rumour; it's a tantalizing prospect that could redefine the competitive landscape.
Newey's track record speaks for itself: he has been the creative force behind some of the most dominant cars in F1 history. His innovative approach and relentless pursuit of perfection have earned him a legendary status.
For Ferrari, securing Newey would mean more than just a technical boost. It would be a statement of intent, a signal that the team is ready to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of the sport. Newey’s designs could give Ferrari the edge it needs to end its championship drought.
Lewis Hamilton: The Veteran Champion
Lewis Hamilton, with seven world titles under his belt, is arguably one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One and officially joins Ferrari in 2025. His experience, skill, and relentless drive for success make him a formidable competitor.
The prospect of Hamilton driving a car designed by Newey is mouth-watering for any F1 fan. The synergy between Hamilton’s driving prowess and Newey’s technical expertise could be the perfect recipe for success.
Hamilton's move to Ferrari will also carry significant symbolic weight. Known for his incredible success with Mercedes, a switch to Ferrari would represent a bold new chapter in his illustrious career.
Charles Leclerc: The Future Champion
At the age of 26, Charles Leclerc is entering his peak era in Formula One. Young, talented, with great experience and fiercely competitive, Leclerc has already shown flashes of brilliance during his time with Ferrari and currently sits in second place in the driver’s championship.
His raw speed and racing intelligence make him the perfect counterpart to Hamilton’s seasoned experience. Working with both Hamilton and Newey, Leclerc could mature into a world champion.
Leclerc’s bond with Ferrari is deep, and his commitment to bringing glory back to Maranello is clear. With Newey’s technical direction and ability to build championship cars, Leclerc could get the extra push, transforming from a impressive talent into a dominant force on the track.
This trio embodies a perfect blend of experience, innovation, and ambition. For Ferrari, this combination could reignite the passion and dominance that defined the team during its golden years.
Newey’s presence would bring fresh ideas to Ferrari’s positive engineering momentum over the last few years. Hamilton’s wealth of knowledge and winning mentality would elevate the entire team’s performance. Leclerc’s adaptability and raw talent would ensure that Ferrari remains competitive for years to come.
The potential formation of a Ferrari dream team featuring Adrian Newey, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc is a narrative straight out of a racing enthusiast’s dream. This was fueled by Newey signing a Ferrari flag for a fan at the Canadian GP.
As the pieces of this puzzle slowly come together, the world of Formula One watches with bated breath, anticipating the rise back to glory for the legendary Scuderia Ferrari.
Football Contracts & Image Rights
I wrote a piece on Original Football that looks at Football (soccer) contracts and image rights deals. Check it out.
KITH x TaylorMade Drop Second Collection
Are any golf fans reading this? New York City lifestyle brand KITH dropped a collection with Taylormade last week and it sold out right away.
You can check out the details here.
Thanks for reading, David Skilling.
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