Funmi Blakemore Named Executive Director of the Team USA Athletes’ Commission

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the Team USA Athletes’ Commission announced today that Funmi (Jimoh) Blakemore has been appointed executive director of the Team USA AC.

As executive director, Blakemore is charged with enhancing the commission’s operational capacity and ability to advocate on behalf of Team USA athletes. It supports ongoing efforts to expand the commission’s independence, influence, and impact across the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

“I’m honored to step into this role and to serve the Team USA athlete community,” Blakemore said. “As an Olympian, I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities that athletes face. I’m committed to ensuring their voices drive meaningful change and that the commission has the tools, structure, and support it needs to lead with clarity and purpose.”

In her new role, Blakemore will collaborate closely with Team USA AC Chair Joel Rosinbum and the commission’s elected leaders and membership to set strategic priorities and strengthen connections among Team USA athletes, the Team USA AC, the USOPC, and external stakeholders. 

“Funmi brings credibility, vision, and a deep understanding of the athlete experience, said  Rosinbum. "Her background as an Olympian and administrator gives her a rare perspective on how to translate athlete feedback into real institutional progress. She will be a great partner as we continue strengthening representation and creating a more responsive and athlete-centered Olympic and Paralympic environment.”

“The Team USA AC plays an important role in shaping the athlete experience and Funmi brings the vision and passion needed to carry that work forward,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. "Funmi will support and enhance the commission’s mission and help us collectively continue strengthening channels for athlete engagement across the organization and the Olympic and Paralympic movements.”

Blakemore brings great experience as an athlete and administrator to the AC. She represented Team USA in the long jump at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008, competed on multiple World Championship teams and in elite international competition following an all-American career at Rice University.

Most recently, Blakemore served as Director of Administration for Rice Athletics and previously coached at Rice after retiring from competition. She was inducted into the university's athletic hall of fame in 2015.

Blakemore also currently serves as the president of the Houston chapter of the U.S Olympians & Paralympians Association.

She will officially begin work in January of 2026.

Funmi Blakemore (née Jimoh) is a 2008 Olympian and athletics administrator whose career spans nearly two decades at the highest levels of sport.

A Rice University alumna and Rice Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, she has excelled as an NCAA All‑American, international athlete, Division I coach, NCAA committee member and senior athletics executive, bringing a rare 360‑degree perspective to athlete advocacy and governance.​

As an athlete, Blakemore represented Team USA in the long jump at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008, becoming the first woman from Rice University track and field to qualify for a U.S. Olympic team. She went on to compete at three World Championships and multiple top‑tier international meets.

Following her competitive career, Blakemore transitioned into coaching and administration, serving as an assistant coach at Rice University for sprints, hurdles and jumps at the Division I level. Changing industries, she later broadened her impact as VP of Legal Operations and Business Development for a Houston based legal services company. Following administrative success in that space, she rejoined Rice Athletics as Director of Administration in 2024. In that role, she has worked closely with athletics leadership on strategic initiatives, communication, and student‑athlete support, while also contributing nationally through service on the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country Committee.​

Deeply committed to the Olympic and Paralympic community, Blakemore has also been an active member in the U.S. Olympians & Paralympians Association’s Houston chapter, and has most recently served as chapter president since 2024.