The United States has entered an unprecedented "Mega-Decade" of hosting global sporting events. From the 2026 World Cup to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, the eyes of the world are turning toward America. But these tournaments are more than just athletic competitions; they are high-stakes instruments of soft power, diplomatic platforms, and significant economic engines. As our nation prepares to host the world, we must ask: how do we leverage this moment to showcase American values, and what are the hidden costs of turning sport into a geopolitical tool?

Allison Wagner is a decorated Olympic swimmer, a distinguished advocate for sport integrity, and a dedicated leader in athlete relations. A 1996 Olympic silver medalist in the 400-meter individual medley, Wagner enjoyed a prolific competitive career that included 13 U.S. National Championship titles, NCAA championship honors, and 11 All-American recognitions while swimming for the University of Florida. Notably, she held a world record in the 200-meter individual medley (short course) for nearly 15 years, a testament to her enduring legacy as one of the most versatile and resilient athletes of her era.

Today, Wagner channels her deep personal experience with the complexities of elite sport into her professional mission. As the Director of Athlete and International Relations at the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), she oversees athlete engagement for Olympic and Paralympic sport, advocating for clean athletes and working to reform global anti-doping policies. Her commitment to fairness is backed by extensive academic research, having been selected by the International Olympic Committee as one of only six Olympians worldwide for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program in Sport Ethics and Integrity. Throughout her post-competitive career, she has remained a steadfast voice for athlete rights, equity, and the protection of clean sport on the international stage.