Angel Reese has recently voiced her frustration after her request to have a 10-foot statue erected in her honor in Chicago was denied. In an emotional statement, Reese expressed her belief that racism played a role in the decision, drawing a stark contrast between her treatment and that of Caitlin Clark, a star player from Iowa.

Angel Reese called out for 'ruining' basketball

Reese’s request for the statue, which would have honored her remarkable achievements on the court, was met with rejection by local officials in Chicago. The decision has sparked significant controversy, particularly because Reese, who played a pivotal role in leading LSU to a national championship, felt that her accomplishments were being overlooked. Reese, known for her outspoken personality and advocacy for women’s sports, has claimed that her exclusion from the statue conversation was rooted in racial bias.

In her comments, Reese drew a direct comparison between herself and Caitlin Clark, who has been repeatedly celebrated with a butter sculpture at the Iowa State Fair every year. Clark’s honor has become a beloved tradition in Iowa, with her likeness immortalized in butter for the past several years. For Reese, this tradition exemplified the different ways in which female athletes are treated based on their race and background. While Clark has been celebrated for her remarkable skills and performance, Reese argued that her own achievements, including leading LSU to its first national title since 2008, were not given the same recognition or respect.

Reese’s comments have ignited a broader discussion about the disparities in how female athletes are celebrated, particularly when race plays a factor. Many fans and commentators have pointed to the fact that Reese’s dominance on the court, her visibility in the media, and her contributions to women’s basketball should have warranted similar recognition. Reese’s outspoken nature and willingness to address these issues have made her a powerful voice for change in the sports world.

Caitlin Clark butter sculpture: Why Iowa State Fair is honoring WNBA star with life-sized butter figure

Caitlin Clark butter sculpture: Why Iowa State Fair is honoring WNBA star with life-sized butter figure image

It doesn’t get much butter than this.

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.

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.

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.