Stakeholder Trust

The USOPC conducted a comprehensive review of both the USOPC and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) Compliance Standards and revised its policies and procedures to ensure we are applying the same standards where applicable.   

In 2023, the USOPC received results from an external audit of select USOPC departments to improve our operations and identify areas for improvement within our organization. Findings and recommendations were shared with and addressed by relevant department leaders, as well as with the USOPC’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. To build on this work, the audit and compliance teams also began discussing a framework for a compliance audit for the USOPC that substantially mirrors NGB audits. We also finalized Phase 4 of our USOPC Bylaw Amendments in 2023, a continuation of the phased approach begun in 2019.

Since its rollout in 2021, our Integrity Portal has served as an online reporting platform that allows anyone to report a concern related to the USOPC’s or National Governing Bodies’ (NGBs) compliance with their bylaws, policies, procedures or the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. Through the Integrity Portal, the USOPC has received reports from athletes, coaches, staff and other NGB members from across the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, a testament to how our “Speak Up” culture is taking hold and ensuring that concerns can be raised and resolved. 

Through our continued effort to protect all athletes’ rights to fair competition, we furthered our relationships and partnerships with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee, White House Office of National Drug Policy, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the Team USA Athletes’ Commission (the Team USA AC) and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.  

With the support of the IOC, in 2023, we defined our medal reallocation process for athletes who receive their medals after the Games conclude due to disqualification of an athlete who unfairly took the podium. Once a medal reallocation is approved, the rightful winner can be awarded their medal at the ceremony of their choice.

In collaboration with the Team USA AC and the Athlete Ombuds, the USOPC provides athletes with protection, support and guidance on their rights and responsibilities, now outlined for athletes on USOPC.org. Through free resources, legal aid and professional counsel, we aim to help Team USA get the expert assistance they need quickly and confidentially so they can keep their focus on the game. 

Team USA Athlete Ombuds serve as trusted, confidential resources for athletes with questions, concerns or disputes related to their rights and responsibilities. Staff includes current and former athletes trained to provide efficient and effective support.  

Over the past year, Athlete Ombuds worked on 765 cases across issues including anti-doping, athlete safety and team selection issues. As part of its efforts, Ombuds developed athlete empowerment tools to equip athletes to better understand how to approach these issues and navigate difficult conversations.  

The Athlete Ombuds also formed an Alliance of Sport Ombuds between the U.S., Canada and WADA to engage in knowledge sharing and partnership. To expand athletes’ access to expertise in anti-doping matters, Athlete Ombuds grew its network of experts to include a hematologist, toxicologist, meat contamination expert and mass spectrometry expert, among others. In the annual Athlete Ombuds survey,* athlete and staff respondents ranked their overall experience 4.74 out of 5 – the highest in survey history. 

*Based on responses from 29% of survey recipients.

Following a collaborative process, the USOPC Athletes' Advisory Council officially changed its name to the Team USA Athletes’ Commission (Team USA AC) to create alignment with the naming convention of other international athlete voice groups and with the group it represents.

Though under a new name, the Team USA AC’s purpose remains the same: to serve as a representative group and voice of Team USA athletes. The Team USA AC protects athletes’ rights, advises the USOPC on topics including athlete well-being and public issues like athlete safety and has elected representation on the USOPC board of directors. The Team USA AC also supports on the ground at Games, including at the 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games. 

In 2023, the Team USA AC celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special recognition at the Annual U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Assembly and throughout the year to honor 50 years of athlete representation.

Our Annual U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Assembly convened more than 400 attendees from NGBs, current and alumni athlete ranks, Councils and the USOPC. For two days in Los Angeles, participants engaged in town hall meetings, joint sessions of USOPC constituent councils, panel discussions and addresses from USOPC leadership.  

As we gear up for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, we convened more than 130 stakeholders across the USOPC, NGBs, athletes and the Team USA AC to inform and inspire our outcome-driven 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. Together, we laid the groundwork for success over the next five years.