Coby Langley spoke about the importance of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee
Many Americans have fond memories of sitting and watching television with their families amazing athletes showcasing their talent on the Olympic stage. Apart from the fact that the competitors have devoted years of their lives to their chosen sport, these men and women also represent their country with a brilliant focus.
Kobe Langley was one of the many kids who remembers the inspiration of watching the elite in action. Although he admired their greatness then, he now has a deeper appreciation for their commitment to perfection. Chief Operating Officer of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Seeing and knowing that every hour of these competitors’ lives was dedicated to a goal and purpose changed his perspective on what it means to be among the best in the world.
“I always knew they were elite athletes, but what surprised me was all the other sacrifices they had to make to become elite athletes.”
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Who is Kobe Langley? From US Army Officer to USOPC COO
Langley may never have trained for the Games as an athlete, but he certainly understands the importance of representing the United States. That’s because Langley served in the United States Army when he signed up for ROTC at age 17 before going to the University of Notre Dame and then becoming a JAG as part of the 82nd Airborne Division before being deployed twice. One of those trips was during the initial invasion of Iraq as part of Operation Shock and Awe in 2003.
By the time Langley finished his military career, he had received a Bronze Star for his time in service. Looking back on military service, he shared that being forced out of his comfort zone will serve him well in future roles, including his current one.
“When you work in parts of the Army that really push you, and I think the 82nd pushed me in combat, you leave with a sense of confidence and belief that you can do a lot more than you first thought.”
Since he donned the uniform, Langley has advocated for veterans and families in a variety of ways. He joined Congress, working to help an Iraq war veteran get elected to Congress
The Department of Veterans Affairs followed, and then joined Department of Defense at the Pentagon’s Office of Warfighter Care and Transition Policy. It all led to him joining the Obama administration to manage his family’s veterans and military group. Before joining the USOPC, Langley rose through the ranks of the American Red Cross, eventually leading the Northeast Division, where he led a team of 600 and worked with a nine-figure budget. He credits his time in that role to helping him prepare for his current role.
“All of that experience ultimately led me to be here.”
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Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center: Inside the Olympic Plaza
“Here” is the USOPC Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Langley started as COO in November 2025. One Plaza is a 34-acre campus that serves as a support system for hundreds of athletes who devote their lives to mastering their craft and preparing their mind, body and spirit to compete on the world’s greatest stage.
The USOPC provides many resources to support these athletes, including mental health, training, nutrition, and even scholarships in some cases. Services for these athletes are available to both resident and non-resident participants. Walking around campus and seeing the Olympic torch and where Michael Phelps was poised to become the most famous Olympian in history is something Langley doesn’t take for granted.
“The Olympic torch is my personal favorite. I love that we have so many of our Olympic torches in Colorado Springs and we light it at the start of every Olympics and Paralympics. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Review of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the road to Los Angeles 2028
232 athletes competed for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, the largest in American history. Langley reported that it was one of the most successful efforts of the winter, highlighted by a national record 12 gold medals, including gold for the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams.
“One of the best, for sure,” Langley announced. However, there is no rest for the weary, as the 2028 Summer Games are approaching and they will be held on American soil in Los Angeles, California. Many athletes are already preparing or hoping to qualify to represent their country in red, white and blue. Langley and his team are already working to not only support these athletes, but to prepare the nation for the host country to go on the world stage. As daunting as the challenge is, Langley has experience in the military and roles in government that serve him well. It’s not the same as wearing a uniform, but competing at his level in the Olympics is another way for him to serve the United States.
“The Olympics is a place for peaceful competition, and you have to have those spaces,” Langley said. “It really started with recruiting ex-servicemen and veterans and having them compete as a way to continue their physical fitness and show what their country is capable of.”
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World Class Athletes Program (WCAP): How Soldiers Become Olympians
There is no shortage of inspiration on Team USA, and that includes those who have served in uniform. Langley cited the example of Kathy Werderber, an Army veteran who was medically retired in 2019 after sustaining a spinal cord injury in Afghanistan. Werderber discovered wheelchair curling in 2024 and found herself on the US Paralympic team in 2026.
“Watching him compete … the courage, the humility, the determination, all the things he learned while he was in the military. That’s really what military members and veteran athletes get.”
Few Americans know what it’s like to serve in the military, and even fewer know what it’s like to represent Team USA in the Olympics. This makes a person who has done both elite and some athletes do both to a large extent. World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). The Army and Air Force have WCAP programs that support athletes as they pursue their Olympic dreams and while promoting service in the military through community involvement.
The program is open to active, reserve and National Guard members of both branches, and they participate in a variety of sports. Langley spoke about programs like WCAP not only because of how it allows athletes to serve in two ways, but also because of the results that can come from it.
“It has a proven track record since 1948. More than 450 Soldiers have represented the United States in the Olympics, and they have won a total of 112 medals. WCAP is an amazing program.”
Why training like an Olympian brings success outside the gym
Langley knows that many children and families have been watching athletes in Italy or plan to compete in Los Angeles and have their own Olympic dreams. In many cases, they will die or be doubted for one reason or another, but Langley is optimistic about those dreams and says to pursue them, because even if they don’t reach the Olympic level, they rise in ways that can lead to greater things than if they didn’t pursue greatness.
“There are so many things about being or training an elite athlete that even if you never medal, they become skills that will make you a good fit for any organization looking for people who can work well under pressure. Keep it up.”
