Shaheen on Appointment of New USOC CEO: “The Safety, Health and Support of U.S. Athletes Must Be the Number One Priority for USOC’s New Leadership”

(Washington, DC)—U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) announced the appointment of Sarah Hirshland as its new CEO: 

“The safety, health and support of U.S. athletes must be the number one priority for USOC’s new leadership,” said Shaheen. “I wish Ms. Hirshland success in her new role and hope she can begin a new chapter at the Committee. USOC must deliver accountability throughout its organization regarding the horrific abuse of athletes in multiple sports. Our athletes must finally have confidence that USOC is working in their best interest to protect and support them.”     

Senators Shaheen and Joni Ernst (R-IA) called on USOC’s prior CEO, Scott Blackmun, to resign following reports that he was aware of sexual abuse allegations against ex-team USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar in 2015. The Senators have led bipartisan efforts in Congress in calling for accountability regarding how Nassar was allowed to sexually abuse female gymnasts over decades. In June, during testimony before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security, Senator Shaheen called on Congress to review USOC’s federal charter to provide more oversight and fair compensation to American athletes.