SafeSport on the ground at the Paris Games

The U.S. Center for SafeSport’s first delegation on the ground at the Paris Games has been a remarkable and eye-opening experience.

Being on the ground helped us better understand what things are like for USA athletes before, during, and after competition—giving us invaluable insight to develop proactive measures and prevention education for future Games.

It also gave us a front row seat to the culture changes that have taken root in sport. For the first time ever there was parity in the number of athletes participating across men’s and women’s events. There were at least 195 openly LGBTQ+ athletes, more than at any other Games to date. It was the third Games with a refugee team. There are more open conversations about the importance of mental health—not only was there a space dedicated to mental health in the athlete village, but the world also met Beacon, the gymnastics therapy dog. A nursery was available to support athletes with young children, ensuring a greater number of athletes could actively maintain two important roles simultaneously—elite athlete and parent. And we witnessed more athletes standing up for themselves, and each other.

All of this reflects the best of what the Games should be about: representation, respect, inclusion, health, being the best version of yourself, and a shared love of sport.

Conversely, we saw several troubling examples—including the participation of a convicted rapist representing the Netherlands in beach volleyball—underscoring the ongoing need for all of us to speak out against unacceptable behavior, prioritize athlete safety, and demand accountability. Participation in sport is a privilege, not a right.

There is no doubt progress is being made, but our work continues.