US Olympic Ombuds Helps Athletes in Conflict

Since 1999, John Ruger has been the athlete ombudsman for the United States Olympic Committee. He receives about 500 inquires a year and provides independent advice to Olympic hopefuls, assists in mediating disputes, and helps develop USOC policy. The majority of athletes coming to Ruger have questions about a team-selection process, doping cases or their rights regarding endorsements. He was quoted prominently in two articles on Boxing Day. (New York Times; Washington Post.)