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≡ THE BIG PICTURE ≡
Since becoming the “United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee” in 2019, one of the goals of the USOPC has been to integrate the Paralympic sport programs in the country with the existing National Governing Bodies for those sports.
The number of combined NGBs has been steadily growing and Wednesday brought a major announcement that USA Track & Field will absorb the American Paralympic track & field program as of 1 January 2025.
Said USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland:
“We’ve committed to working toward this model of integration, because we know it will allow Para athletes to fully access a powerhouse of resources, support and training as they pursue excellence and represent Team USA.”
The announcement did not indicate any added financial support for USATF for taking on the Paralympic program, but in 2023, the USOPC provided $5.23 million in benefits for Paralympic track & field that included:
● $2.576 million for national governing body support
● $1.561 million in direct athlete support
● $1.097 million in indirect support (travel, equipment, sport science)
USATF has been in a revenue rut over the past 10 years, raising the question of how it will add services for Paralympic track & field beyond what is provided now:
● 2014: $35.05 million
● 2015: $30.40 million
● 2016: $38.43 million
● 2017: $33.67 million
● 2018: $36.71 million
● 2019: $37.24 million
● 2020: $23.30 million (Covid impact)
● 2021: $35.52 million
● 2022: $36.54 million (last available statements)
Nevertheless, track & field has been the top sport for the U.S. at the recent Paralympics:
● 38 at Paris 2024 (10-14-14) ~ top U.S. medal sport
● 41 at Tokyo 2020 (10-17-14) ~ top U.S. medal sport
● 42 at Rio 2016 (16-15-11) ~ top U.S. medal sport
In all three Paralympic Games, the U.S. track & field medal total was second to China.
USATF chief executive Max Siegel said, “USATF has a strong commitment to providing inclusive and comprehensive support, and by uniting our Olympic and Paralympic programs, we are setting the standard for what an integrated sports program can achieve. We believe the benefits of being one team will drive success on and off the field of play.”
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