Fireside Chat, Panel, Conference Presentation
The Legacy Play: How Global Sport Shapes Cities, Economies, and Culture | Global Conference 2026
Milken InstituteWillow Bay, Jack Alexy, Chris Brearton, Breezy Johnson, Lindsay Taylor, Trisha Worthington
- Jack Alexey anticipates competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on home soil, with the field at the Indianapolis trials two years from now expected to be highly competitive where any off-day is untenable.
- Organizational plans include USA Swimming announcing a new AI partner to refine race analysis processes and an expectation that the U.S. Ski and Snowboard organization will secure corporate sponsors to trickle down support to athletes.
- Technological trends predict the expanding use of AI for training models in skiing and a shift in organizations like USA Swimming and World Aquatics regarding athletes earning money and utilizing social media.
- Structural support frameworks aim to integrate physical, mental, and financial pillars to make the four-year training commitment easier, while Olympic sports are expected to evolve by offering mentorship and life-after-career preparation.
- A cultural and demographic shift is projected over the next 20 years, or less, with the Olympic podium becoming more global and medal winners no longer confined to specific countries.
- Future expectations include young women and girls seeing professional role models, leading to a belief that they can earn money as athletes and driving the sport toward gender parity outside of anomalies like the NFL.
- The 2028 Olympics and upcoming World Cup events on U.S. soil are predicted to provide visibility of new futures for youth, inspire younger generations, and impact the United States as the event becomes more global and watched.
- Private equity-led conversations are expected to continue at scale to support athletes, and athletes are anticipated to leverage their platforms to address key issues beyond the duration of the games.
- Equipment and preparation for ski racing are defined as dedicated processes involving long hours by staff, with the LA games expected to be an exciting period for two and a half years where fan attendance and ticket sales are hoped to increase.