Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has officially teamed up with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to launch and expand the “Team USA Athlete Recovery Program.”
Program mission and scope The program is designed to provide injured athletes with elite medical expertise, coordinated care, and the necessary support to navigate the most challenging phases of their careers. The goal is to help them return to peak performance or prepare for their next professional chapters after sports.
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Pilot phase: In 2024, the program supported 10 athletes, six of whom went on to win a total of four medals (including two Golds) at Paris 2024.
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Expansion plan: Backed by Eli Lilly as the presenting partner, the initiative will scale up over the next three years, spanning from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games to the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games.
Ambassador Shaquille O’Neal’s involvement Eli Lilly has recruited basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal to serve as the program’s ambassador. O’Neal noted that while cameras follow athletes to the podium, they rarely capture the grueling and lonely road of recovery from setbacks. His involvement aims to raise awareness of available resources, reinforcing the message that “the pursuit of health is never over.”
By showcasing authentic recovery journeys, Eli Lilly and the USOPC hope to inspire others and build a comprehensive health ecosystem that empowers athletes to sustain their performance and passion on the global stage.
Source: https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/eli-lilly-taps-shaq-show-how-team-usa-athletes-rebound-injury