Rory Carroll

(Reuters) – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) must do a better job of recognising the contribution and value of Black athletes, particularly at the elite level, beyond the field of play, a U.S. athlete-led council said on Thursday.

According to Team USA Council on Racial and Social Justice, Black athletes have repeatedly indicated that they don’t feel appreciated by the USOPC.

The report stated that the USOPC (and National Governing Bodies, NGBs) need to develop initiatives and programs to show their commitment to racially marginalized groups as well as the contribution these groups make to movements.

This audit also required a racial Equity Audit to determine which sports have the most NGBs or stakeholders. It was necessary to establish guidelines for people to report discrimination, while also increasing their legal support.

According to the council, while they drew on the experiences of Black athletes it also noted that athletes from minorities such as those with disabilities and LGBTQ+ should be treated equally by the USOPC.

Reuters asked the USOPC for comment.

Moushaumi, the Council chair, was a track and field gold medallist at the 2004 Olympic Games. She said there has been some progress, but that more needed to be done.

Robinson said, “We have seen significant change in the last year. But this is only the beginning.” We will see more change in the future as the groups that comprise the movement work to make a better and more inclusive community.