Talent Pipeline 2021

As we look to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond, we are collaborating with a community of partners — National Governing Bodies (NGBs), collegiate programs, coaches and other stakeholders — to grow and sustain Team USA’s talent pipeline, and to create more inclusive and universal access to sport.

The USOPC strives to create a lasting sport legacy and inspire the next generation, both here at home and globally. In partnership with member sport organizations and affiliated partners, we champion programs that increase access, participation and support of Olympic and Paralympic sport opportunities, and help athletes realize their full potential through sport.

Beyond domestic efforts, the USOPC provided planning and event management support for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games. Held in Maseru, Lesotho in late 2021, the Youth Games represent an important development opportunity for athletes in 10 countries across Southern Africa. This is the first-ever international multi-sport event organized in Lesotho.

College Sports Sustainability Think Tank

Collegiate sports programs serve as a critical pipeline for Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls. As a result of the pandemic, more than 100 Division I programs were discontinued. To address this, a first-of-its-kind effort was introduced in 2021: the College Sports Sustainability Think Tank, co-led by USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland and University of Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin.

The Think Tank released seven actionable recommendations addressing pipeline sustainability through sport-specific policy customization, structural alignment between college and NGB leaders and partnerships across youth, college and elite levels. The Think Tank is also partnering with the NCAA Office of Inclusion to advance Paralympic inclusion. To date, the Think Tank is the most comprehensive collaboration between the collegiate system and the USOPC, with the work supported by the NCAA Division I Council. A complete overview of the College Sports Sustainability Think Tank can be found here.

82% Olympic

Team USA medalists competed collegiately

50% Paralympic

Team USA medalists competed collegiately

171

schools represented by Olympic athletes

76

schools represented by Paralympic athlete

Our collegiate system

also contributed broadly to the international field in Tokyo with nearly 650 Olympic athletes from 179 NCAA institutions representing 117 countries across 22 sports