USOPC Says Athletes Come First

(ATR) The leaders of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic committee say the challenges of the coronavirus and complications from the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics are having a significant impact on the organization and athletes.

USOPC chair Susanne Lyons and CEO Sarah Hirshland both spoke at the open of the annual Olympic Assembly. The meeting traditionally draws hundreds of sports leaders to Colorado Springs, headquarters of the USOPC.​

This year however, the Olympic Assembly is taking place virtually.

"The global pandemic and the postponement of the Tokyo Games has required us to change the way we communicate and the way we work together." Hirshland said.

"As we look ahead to the reimagined Tokyo Games next summer, and then to a Beijing Winter Games that will follow closely on its heels, we know we will have to be at our best – all of us – if Team USA athletes are to have what they need to be successful," she said.

USOPC chair Susanne Lyons provided an update on the independent commission led by Lisa Borders in response to seemingly countless instances of sexual abuse. Lyons noted that a follow-up review by the commission reported progress by the USOPC.

"They came back with a report card that showed that we are listening, and we are acting."

Last week, The U.S. House of Representativespassed the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic and Amateur Athletes Act on Thursday by unanimous consent. The U.S. Senate previously approved it in early August.

The legislation would amend the so-called Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act which provides the legal underpinnings of the USOPC. The changes called for are the most significant since the Ted Stevens Act became law in 1978. The legislation is the response by Congress to the scandals in gymnastics, swimming and other sports under the USOPC umbrella.

"We are satisfied with the collaborative process, and we support this legislation. But we did not wait for the bill to pass to begin our reforms, and we have already implemented many of the changes contemplated in the bill," Lyons said.

Lyons reiterating the commitment of the USOPC to an equitable settlement for the survivors in spite of what she termed complicated mediations.

Hirshland said the USOPC is taking steps to recognize and fight social injustice. She cited the newly formed Council on Racial and Social Justice. Dozens of athletes, sports leaders and outside experts have been recruited to make recommendations on actions the USOPC should take. She says the report from the council is due in early 2021.

Along with the virtual Olympic Congress, the USOPC Board of Directors are meeting, also in a virtual setting. The board is expected to approve additional changes to the governance of the USOPC that will be in keeping with the legislation that awaits signature by President Trump.

Lyons and Hirshland will brief media on the board meeting in an Oct. 9 teleconference.

Written by Greer Wilson

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