Angel Reese recently voiced her frustration after a request for a 10-foot statue to honor her achievements was rejected in Chicago. In a statement, Reese expressed her belief that racism influenced the decision, highlighting the contrast between her treatment and that of Caitlin Clark, a player from Iowa who has been celebrated annually with a butter sculpture.
Reese’s call for a statue was met with rejection from Chicago officials, sparking a heated debate. Reese’s vocal advocacy for women’s sports and her passionate stance on racial equity in athletics have made her a powerful figure in the fight for greater recognition of female athletes of color. She pointed out the stark contrast in how Clark is consistently honored, with her likeness being immortalized in butter year after year, while Reese’s historic contributions, including LSU’s first national title since 2008, have not received similar recognition.
This has sparked a wider conversation about the disparities in how female athletes are celebrated, especially when race is a factor. Many have pointed out the inequality, noting that Reese’s incredible impact on the court, combined with her media presence and advocacy, should have earned her the same level of respect and acknowledgment as Clark. Reese’s candid remarks and determination to address these issues have cemented her as a force for change in the sports world.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s butter sculpture, which has become a beloved tradition in Iowa, is just one example of how athletes are honored. Clark, who has been a standout at both the University of Iowa and in her early WNBA career, was immortalized once again in butter at the Iowa State Fair. This is the second consecutive year she has received this unique tribute, making her one of only three athletes to receive such an honor. The sculpture, which has evolved in detail from year to year, serves as a testament to her significant impact on Iowa and the world of basketball.
As the WNBA nears its return from the All-Star and Olympic break, the Iowa State Fair debuted its Caitlin Clark butter sculpture. It’s the second consecutive year in which artists created the figure for the University of Iowa standout.
Clark’s silky smooth jumper matches the soft, buttery form of her 2024 sculpture. It’ll have to stay cold in order not to melt, although that shouldn’t be a problem since Clark has ice in her veins.The sculpture will be on display from Aug. 8-18, so fans butter check out the life-sized Clark figure while they can. (That’s the last one, I promise.)
Here’s all there is to know about Clark’s butter sculpture and how it originated in 2023.
Caitlin Clark butter sculpture
Clark is one of the all-time great Iowa athletes despite being just 22 years old.
She’s had tremendous impact, accolades and stats throughout college and early into her WNBA career. As a reward, Clark is one of three athletes to receive a butter sculpture at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.
Caitlin Clark is amazing and I respect tf outta her. But her butter sculpture at the Iowa State Fair is haunting me pic.twitter.com/aMRvMGgDrj
— Abby Sliva (@AbbySliva) August 9, 2024
Clark was born in Iowa and went to college at the University of Iowa. The fair is an annual celebration in the state of Iowa.
It’s the second consecutive year that Clark has had a butter sculpture at the fair, joining Kurt Warner and Jack Trice as the only athletes with the honor. The 2024 edition is a vast improvement from the inaugural version in 2023.
Caitlin Clark butter sculpture
2023 2024 pic.twitter.com/i2COeIaL1t
— Iowa Chill (@IowaChill) August 8, 2024
The 2024 version has much more detail, encapsulating Clark much better than the 2023 edition.
Clark is no longer playing in Iowa as she began her WNBA career with the Indiana Fever, but her impact remains invaluable throughout the state.
Who made the Caitlin Clark butter sculpture?
Sarah Pratt began sculpting at the Iowa State Fair in 1991 before taking over as the lead sculptor in 2006. She’s accompanied by her two twin daughters, Grace and Hannah.
The sisters were three years old when their mother took over as the lead sculptor. Grace and Hannah earned more and more responsibilities as they got older. Now, the two are apprentices for their mother.
There’s no indication that Sarah will retire, but it seems butter sculpting will stay in the family.
