What does it take to lead Team USA on the world’s biggest stage? 

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee is here to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of Olympic leadership — where sports, politics, and global competition collide.

With her deep experience in sports business and governance, she and David discuss the high-stakes decisions behind resource allocation, how Team USA prepares for global competition, and what the future holds as the Olympics return to U.S. soil in 2028.

Sarah also reveals behind-the-scenes details from the Paris Games, the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, and why the 2028 Olympics will be a historic moment for the country. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The politics of sports, and why Sarah’s role is as much about international diplomacy as it is about athletics
• How the LA fires have impacted the planning process for the 2028 Olympics and what makes Los Angeles uniquely positioned to redefine the Olympic experience
• How Team USA decides where to allocate resources and why medal potential drives investment
• What the success of the Paris Olympics means for the future, and how Milan-Cortina is shaping up as the next great Winter Games
• How Team USA is evolving its approach to mental health and athlete support

Resources and Links:

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn and learn more about Team USA and the upcoming Olympic Games.

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