Ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, US Coordinator for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Sunil Ravi spoke with the Wilson Center to discuss the State Department’s critical role in managing sports diplomacy and leveraging the "Decade of Sport" to strengthen the United States’ international economic ties.

What is your role as the US Coordinator for the Olympic Games? What does your day-to-day look like? More broadly, how does the State Department collaborate with groups like Team USA to support our athletes abroad?

Sunil Ravi: The role of the coordinator has existed within the State Department as far back as the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City, coordinating closely with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).  The coordinator is one of maybe two or three positions across the US government that is focused exclusively on planning and preparing for the upcoming Games.  We arrive at least a year before the games, building relationships with host nation officials, the organizing committee, sponsors, partners, and other diplomatic missions.  Given the sprawl of these games, this included long drive times through the mountains to arrive at some of the venues. 

In addition to external coordination, we ensure that we are coordinated internally as well, across the broad swath of US government agencies that have a role to play in supporting the US presence – including sponsors, athletes, American citizens, and visiting dignitaries. The Games are a wonderful opportunity for Embassy and Consulate teams to increase public engagement through sports diplomacy programs.

From a US government standpoint, the focus is on the safety and security of US citizens, sponsors, athletes, and our visiting dignitaries, celebrating the accomplishments of Team USA athletes, and using the platform to advance US foreign policy priorities, including boosting economic and commercial ties.

We often think of the Olympics as purely athletic, but they are also a major diplomatic stage. How do the Milano Cortina Games, or international sporting events more generally, serve as an opportunity for US foreign policy?

Sunil Ravi: Sports are a powerful platform for diplomacy, bringing people together across borders and cultures. Team USA exemplifies American excellence, achievement, and the spirit of fair competition. The United States is proud to support Team USA at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, a key event in the “Decade of Sport in America” (2024-2034) during which the United States will host not only the 2028 Summer Games, but also nearly a dozen major international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and 2034 Winter Games in Utah. Milano Cortina 2026 sets the stage for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, where the world will once again gather to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic spirit in the United States.

The Olympic Games are also very much an economic event. How is the US mission in Italy working to facilitate new business partnerships or showcase American innovation during the Milano Cortina Games?

Sunil Ravi: Absolutely.  Strengthening economic and commercial ties is one of the core areas of emphasis for Mission Italy, in line with the Administration’s priority to make America more prosperous.  The Olympics and Paralympics bring together a broad array of US sponsors and partners, many of whom do not have an operating presence in Italy or Europe. Their presence at the Games creates opportunities to boost commerce.  With the Games moving to the United States in 2028 and 2034, we have leveraged these to promote the United States as a destination for international investment and tourism. 

Personally, what aspect of these Games are you most excited about? Is there a specific event or moment you are most looking forward to?

Sunil Ravi: One of the highlights is getting to meet the athletes and the “team behind the team,” from the organizing committee and USOPC to National Governing Boards and sponsors.  Watching the Games knowing the people behind the scenes that have worked tirelessly for years to deliver the Games and support the athletes is something I’ll be cheering for, alongside our amazing athletes.  The athlete stories are incredible and highlight American excellence and resolve. I’m excited to cheer them on.