#United States #Indianapolis #Eli Lilly #Team USA #Olympic Games

Eli Lilly's Collaboration with Team USA

Eli Lilly and Company, a renowned name in the pharmaceutical industry, has made a significant announcement concerning the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. As part of its ongoing commitment to foster community health and well-being, Lilly revealed its athlete roster representing Team USA, a diverse group of talented Olympians and Paralympians who embody resilience and perseverance.

The team features notable athletes, including Elana Meyers Taylor, a distinguished U.S. Olympic bobsledder and the most decorated African American in Winter Olympic history. Meyers Taylor, who has become an advocate for health in athletics, championed the idea that true strength encompasses caring for one’s overall well-being. She vocalized, “As an athlete, I've learned that strength isn't just built in the gym — it comes from caring for your whole self, body and mind.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Lilly's philosophy that athletic milestones can be converted into broader community health impacts.

In addition to Meyers Taylor, the roster includes U.S. Olympians Madison Chock (Figure Skating), Erin Jackson (Speedskating), Maddie Mastro (Halfpipe Snowboarding), and Mikaela Shiffrin (Alpine Skiing). Also representing Team USA are Paralympians Oksana Masters (Para Nordic Skiing and Para Biathlon) and Jack Wallace (Sled Hockey), who have personal stories of overcoming health challenges that resonate deeply with Lilly’s mission to promote holistic health.

The initiative is part of Lilly’s Milestones into Meaning™ program, which translates each Olympian and Paralympian achievement into tangible support for community health initiatives. For every medal, world record, or Olympic/Paralympic record achieved, Lilly pledges to donate $5,000 to nonprofit organizations across the United States. The program was successfully piloted during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, resulting in over $2.6 million donated to various organizations committed to enhancing healthcare access. For Milano Cortina 2026, Lilly plans to expand this initiative by supporting 26 U.S. organizations.

“As athletes achieve new heights, the same relentless spirit propels Lilly in its mission to redefine healthcare and improve lives,” said Jennifer Oleksiw, global chief customer officer at Lilly. This relationship not only emphasizes athletic achievement but reinforces the idea that health is a cornerstone of human potential.

In a bid to further underline the synergy between health and athletic performance, three Lilly-sponsored athletes—Jackson, Masters, and Wallace—will participate in a discussion at the Team USA Media Summit in New York City. The panel, titled “The Pursuit of Health Above All: Athlete Perspectives,” aims to connect the dots between access to health resources and the unlocking of athletic potential, as well as community health outcomes.

Dr. Jessica Bartley, Senior Director of Psychological Services at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, highlighted the importance of Lilly's partnership: “The health of our athletes — and of the communities they represent — is at the core of Team USA's mission. Lilly's support ensures that we extend excellence seen on the world stage to greater healthcare access for athletes and their communities.”

Lilly's commitment to Team USA will also be evident in its sponsorship during the LA28 Games, further solidifying its role in advancing health access while connecting the drive for athletic achievement with improved healthcare for all. As a driving force of innovation focused on treating some of the world's most pressing health issues, Lilly remains dedicated to transforming life through medical advancements.

In conclusion, Eli Lilly’s collaboration with Team USA epitomizes the transformative power of sport, health, and community engagement. By marrying athletic excellence with impactful health initiatives, Lilly is not just showcasing its commitment to athletes but ensuring a healthier future for communities across the nation. As the Olympic spirit approaches Milano Cortina 2026, the world will witness how the intersection of sport and health can inspire significant community change across the USA.