WATCH: Sports diplomacy is crucial at the Paris Olympics

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PARIS (NEXSTAR) – Lee Satterfield, Assistant Secretary of State for Education and Cultural Affairs, emphasized the importance of sports diplomacy during the Paris Olympics in an interview with Marielena Balouris of Nexstar’s WAVY.

Satterfield highlighted how American athletes like Katie Ledecky serve as cultural ambassadors through programs that promote shared values and international cooperation.

She also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles (2028) and Salt Lake City (2034), emphasizing the role that sports play in uniting people and promoting American values on the world stage.

“It’s a real unifier,” Satterfield said. “We see all of our American athletes out on the world stage competing, and they’re sharing their stories and people are getting to know them. They really serve as ambassadors … to show the world more about the personal stories of individuals from the United States, but also a little bit about our culture and who we really are.”

Satterfield praised gymnast Simone Biles, noting her resilience and her public stance on mental health.

“We all applaud her,” Satterfield said. “We’re all glad she took that brave stand.”

The deputy secretary also discussed the importance of the U.S. hosting major sporting events in the future, describing it as an opportunity to emphasize American values and promote international goodwill.

More from Nexstar’s interview with Satterfield can be seen in the video above.