Kylie Kelce, the former field hockey player and podcaster, has spoken out in support of basketball star Caitlin Clark, following an incident that highlighted the media’s tendency to pit women against one another. On a recent episode of her podcast, *Not Gonna Lie*, Kelce praised Clark for her strong response to a reporter’s provocative question after the FIBA World Cup game, drawing attention to the inappropriate behaviour of some journalists.
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Clark, who played a crucial role in the United States women’s national team victory at the World Cup, faced a loaded query regarding her relationship with fellow athlete Angel Reese. When a journalist asked if she and Reese were “friends now,” Clark firmly replied, “Don’t do that,” quickly rebuffing the insinuation that there should be a rivalry or comparison between them. This assertive stance impressed Kelce, who described it as exuding “FAFO energy,” an internet slang phrase meaning “F— Around and Find Out,” which constitutes a signature segment on her podcast.
During the podcast, which aired on September 17, Kelce expressed her admiration for Clark’s ability to refuse to play into negative narratives. “Shut it down, I love that,” Kelce said, questioning why women are often pitted against each other by the media. She then lightened the moment by jokingly advising Clark that her response might have been even stronger if she had added a bolder retort, saying, “The only way to make that better is if she said, ‘Suck my ass’… but that’s just personal preference.”
Not only did Kelce commend Clark’s response, but she also offered her support should Clark ever face similar scenarios again. “If you ever need backup Caitlin, you let me know. I got you,” Kelce assured, highlighting a sense of camaraderie among women in sports.
Kelce drew parallels between Clark’s experience and a conversation she previously had with Paige Bueckers, a star player for the Dallas Wings. Bueckers had expressed similar frustrations regarding media portrayals that sought to create unnecessary competition between female athletes, reinforcing the collective struggle many women face in the sports arena.
Kelce’s advocacy for Clark extends beyond defensive remarks; it is rooted in a broader conversation about the representation of women in sports media. The former athlete’s comments resonate with an ongoing narrative concerning the need for greater solidarity among female athletes, instead of perpetuating rivalries that distract from their accomplishments.
The podcaster also recounted a separate incident that showcased Clark’s loyalty as a sports fan. When attending a game for the Indianapolis Colts, Clark was presented with a custom jersey but chose not to wear it. Kelce applauded her decision, stating, “I think that when you are raised a diehard fan of a team, that this is the only appropriate response to being given the jersey of another team.” Her encouragement to Clark underscores a growing movement among female athletes to stand firm in their identities, both on and off the field.
As the discourse continues, the role of the media in shaping narratives around female athletes remains crucial. Kelce’s remarks serve as a reminder of the power dynamics at play and the importance of empowering women to define their own stories, rather than allowing others to dictate their narratives through provocative questioning.
Both Kylie Kelce and Caitlin Clark are leading by example, showcasing the strength of women supporting one another in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Their actions emphasise the necessity of fostering an environment where female athletes can thrive without the burden of unwanted comparisons or imaginary rivalries that undermine their achievements. The athletic community and its supporters would benefit from continued conversations surrounding these issues, promoting unity and respect among women in all areas of sport.