Statement from USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland on reports of an alumni Olympic athlete being involved in horrific acts at the U.S. Capitol building last week

As many of you know, there are reports of an alumni Olympic athlete involved in the horrific acts at the U.S. Capitol building last week.

As we wait for law enforcement to confirm the identity of the individual and determine necessary action, and then evaluate any appropriate actions of our own, I want to share the following thoughts with our Olympic and Paralympic community. 

First off, I strongly condemn the actions of the rioters at the U.S. Capitol. They do not represent the values of the United States of America or of Team USA. 

At home, and around the world, Team USA athletes are held to a very high standard as they represent our country on the field of play and off. What happened in Washington, D.C., was a case where that standard was clearly not met. The people involved attacked the very fabric of the democracy we all proudly represent and, in turn, also let our community down. I urge everyone associated with Team USA to continue to celebrate our diversity of background and beliefs, stand together against hatred and divisiveness, and use our influence to create positive change in our community."