In a memorable August moment, Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Gabby Thomas surprised WNBA’s standout rookie, Caitlin Clark, after her team’s electrifying win over the Connecticut Sun. The unexpected meet-up took place in the Indiana Fever locker room, creating an unforgettable experience for both Clark and her teammates. Biles and Thomas—fresh off their combined six-gold-medal triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics—were more than ready to show their support for another rising star in American sports.
The surprise came together with Thomas leading the way. “We were hiding next to their locker room and waiting for them to run out,” she shared with NBC. “The entire team was floored, and Caitlin was so shocked. It’s amazing to see the support and excitement athletes have for one another.” Fresh off three medals from Paris, including her gold in the 200m, Thomas was thrilled to lend her encouragement to Clark, a dynamic figure who has breathed new life into her WNBA franchise.
Simone Biles, who dominated the Paris Olympics with three golds and a silver, was equally excited, marking her first-ever WNBA game attendance. Following the game, she took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate, exclaiming, “EVERYONE WATCHES WOMEN’S SPORTS. So happy to be able to go support! My first of many WNBA games.” The gymnastics legend’s attendance wasn’t just a personal milestone but a powerful nod to the increasing visibility and support for women’s sports—a sentiment echoed across the sporting world.
Clark’s season with the Indiana Fever has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Fever made the WNBA playoffs for the first time in six years, thanks to the sharp skills and unbreakable drive of their Rookie of the Year guard. For Clark, who is used to shining on the court, meeting two Team USA icons was a surreal experience and a testament to the sense of unity among top athletes.
The presence of Biles and Thomas in the Fever’s locker room exemplified the growing camaraderie and mutual respect among female athletes across sports. These encounters not only motivate the athletes themselves but inspire fans who see the impact of female athletes supporting each other across disciplines. Moments like these underscore how women’s sports are building a legacy of strength, support, and resilience—qualities celebrated by Biles, Thomas, and Clark in their own achievements and in their collective journey to elevate women’s sports.
