The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has announced the launch of the Team USA Athlete Recovery Program.
The program, in partnership with U.S. pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company, aims to provide Team USA athletes with targeted rehabilitation support for their complex needs and rigorous training schedules.
The goal of the program is not just to support athletes’ recovery after injuries, but to ensure they have the resources they need in the long run. U.S. basketball legend and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is helping raise awareness for the program as the launch begins.
“I’ve spent my entire career learning that health is what makes comeback stories possible. I played through injuries, I’ve lived the recovery process, and on my own health journey,” said O’Neal, “I’ve learned that taking your health seriously isn’t a weakness—it’s the foundation for everything that comes next.”
Young athletes and professionals alike are often expected to bounce back immediately after an injury, even if they know their body is not ready. The implementation of this program focuses on erasing that stigma and prioritizing athletes’ health and safety. 
“This program is about showing up for athletes when the spotlight fades and making sure they have the support they need for what comes next.” Said O’Neal
USOPC piloted the program during the 2024 Paris Olympics and saw great success in the athletes who participated, allowing them to expand the program to reach a larger network of Team USA athletes over the next three years.
U.S. Paralympic Triathlete Grace Norman was one of the athletes in the 2024 Pilot Program. Norman has been a key player in the Paralympics since 2015, when she became the first female amputee to finish on the podium at a high school track and field state championship, as well as the first female to win a gold medal in the Paralympic triathlon.
“The athlete recovery program played a huge part in getting me to the start line.” said Norman.
She went into the year with an injury, but did not let that stop her from becoming the Paralympic Champion for the women’s PTS5 Paratriathlon.
“The program gave me access to a world-class and coordinated team that allowed me to train, recover, and prepare all in one place,” Norman continued.
As the presenting partner, Lilly will collaborate with the USOPC on storytelling that showcases recovery journeys in an effort to raise awareness of the comprehensive ecosystem available to Team USA athletes.
“Through our expanded partnership with Team USA, Lilly is supporting access to holistic long-term support that helps athletes recover and continue to chase their dreams of representing Team USA,” said Jennifer Oleksiw, Global Chief Customer Officer at Lilly.
As the program expands nationwide, the USOPC is signaling a cultural shift in elite sports — one that values sustainable health just as much as podium finishes.
