The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has ceased to be a captainless ship. The organization has finally found a replacement for Scott Blackmun, its former general director, swept away by the tornado of the Larry Nassar affair.
This is a replacement. Her name: Sarah Hirshland. Commercial director of the American Golf Association, she becomes the 12th manager in history to hold this position, but only the first woman. She will take the place of Susanne Lyons, called upon to act as interim after the departure of Scott Blackmun last February. Sarah Hirshland is expected to take up her role at the end of August.
« The USOC is at a critical moment in its history and needs an energetic, creative and inspiring leader who will ensure the athletes we serve are protected, supported and strengthened in every way possible.”, explained Larry Probst, president of the USOC. Before continuing: “ We believe we have found that leader in Sarah Hirshland. We believe we have selected the best candidate for this very important position"
Scott Blackmun's resignation last February was justified for medical reasons. The general director of the USOC, very active during the Los Angeles bid campaign for the Summer Games, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was notably absent from the PyeongChang Winter Games. But his departure, announced last February, was not unrelated to the Larry Nassar scandal, the former doctor of the American Gymnastics Federation. A case in which the USOC was criticized for its wait-and-see attitude and passivity.
