Nothing Stopping Team USA in PyeongChang

(ATR) The United States Olympic Committee will send two delegations to PyeongChang unless "physically or legally impossible".

USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun told reporters he was "a bit surprised," by the miscommunications by the Donald Trump administration regarding sending U.S. athletes to PyeongChang. Conflicting statements by U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haleyand White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sandersled the USOC to have to unequivocally state athletes will go to PyeongChang.

Eventually the Trump administration reiterated its support for sending athletes to the Games, but emphasized the importance of keeping those athletes safe.

"There was some miscommunication there that was substantive; it got our attention, but all is well that ends well and it was a communication oversight," Blackmun said to reporters. "We’re taking a team to PyeongChang unless its physically or legally impossible to do that."

Blackmun did not say if the Trump administration had the authority to prevent athletes from going to South Korea, saying that would be up to "constitutional lawyers." During the 1980 Olympic boycott the USOC complied with President Jimmy Carter’s boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics. Since that boycott there have been no further attempts by the White House to prevent athletes from attending an Olympic Games.

"In Korea we’re concerned about the global tensions, but as part of the things we can control we think we’re really good," Blackmun said. "Our communications with SK authorities is excellent so the standpoint of things we can control we feel good."

2026 Olympic Bid Unlikely

The USOC says it is more likely that a bid for the Winter Olympics will come for the 2030 Games rather than the 2026 edition.

Blackmun says that the USOC is committed to bringing the Winter Games back to the US, but "significant challenges," remain for a 2026 bid. Those challenges would be regarding the exclusive marketing period the Los Angeles 2028 Games would have for sponsorships. LA 2028 officials say they would be supportive of a 2026 bid, but would need to work out an agreement amenable to all parties.

Three cities are in the mix for a 2026 or 2030 bid Blackmun said. Denver, Reno/Lake Tahoe, and Salt Lake City have all engaged the IOC upon recommendation from the USOC.

"We haven’t made any formal decision, but we have encouraged the three cities to be in a dialogue with the IOC," Blackmun said. "That’s happening and we’re very excited, but there/s nothing tangible at this time."

Besides the United States, Calgary, Sapporo and Sion have all expressed interest in bidding for the 2026 Games. Sapporo’s bid is the only one to be confirmed by its National Olympic Committee and not require future steps.

Sion will face a public referendum this year and requires final national government approval. Calgary’s bid is still in an exploratory phase, and the city council just allocated some money for it to continue. However, to receive the full amount the bid must convince the province of Albert and national government to help share costs.

Written by Aaron Bauer

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