Starting the Conversation: Caitlin Clark embracing down time

Throughout the past 15 months or so, life has been moving at an unreal pace for Caitlin Clark.

She became a global icon at Iowa, the face of women’s basketball discussion, and has played basketball nonstop.

When she was left off the USA Olympic roster, many people were arguing about it for days.

I’m not here to give an opinion on whether or not she should’ve made the team.

But, I did get the chance to ask her about how she’s using the next month. During WNBA All-Star weekend, I happened to run into her in the hallways at Footprint Center. She let me walk and talk with her for about a minute.

I asked her two questions about how she views her upcoming “downtime.”

Q: What’re you most looking forward to doing with the next month?

A: “Honestly,” Clark began as she cracked a smile. “I have no clue. I’ve played so much basketball over the last year plus, so I’m just glad that I have the chance to slow down. Maybe spend a little more time by myself then I normally get to. There will be plenty of rest and relaxation for sure.”

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Such a fun first All Star experience in Phoenix!! The fans and city were amazing… Now time for some rest and relaxation 🙂 see you all in a month 🤍

— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) July 21, 2024

Q: Has there ever really been a time in your life that you were able to spend time not on the hardwood?

A: “No not really, but it’s not like I’m staying away from the court this next month, I’ll just be approaching the rest of the days a little differently than I’ve been able to do so far since senior year and my rookie season so far.”

Main Takeaway

Sports are a grind. For athletes. For coaches. For employees. For everyone involved.

Time away is important.

Yes, I’m sure Clark would’ve loved to play in the Olympics this year. But there will be plenty of opportunities for her throughout her career, and right now even she realizes the importance of some “time off.”

The sports grind starts at such young ages now. Many middle school kids play in hundreds of games per year, while training daily. That lasts through high school, then college if they’re lucky, and into the pro ranks if they’re skilled enough and lucky enough. Burn out is higher than ever becuase of that culture in sports.

So if a mega superstar facing all the pressures that comes with that, can ackowledge that some time off can be a blessing, then every athlete and person can do the same.

Slow down. The world never stops, but you can for short periods.