It's a work in progress, and how well that overhaul melds with the
USOC's core mission of winning medals will come into sharp focus starting a year from Thursday, when the first champions are crowned at the Tokyo Olympics.
Nike has been a
USOC footwear and apparel sponsor since 2005, and its current agreement, believed to be worth about $4 million annually, runs until the end of next year.
"We are truly humbled and honored to be the
USOC's choice to bid for a future Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski.
Later Monday,
USOC chief executive Sarah Hirshland confirmed Ashley had been fired from his position in the wake of the report.
Though
USOC holds the power to determine which organizations can represent each sport at the Olympics, the process of decertifying an organization is usually only used under the most extreme circumstances.
The case of Larry Nassar, the doctor now effectively serving a life sentence for sexual assault amid allegations from more than 100 female gymnasts he treated, is but the most egregious instance of the
USOC's disregard for Olympic athletes.
USOC and USAG can and will be made accountable by our justice system."
"The
USOC also announced that CEO Scott Blackmun is resigning due to ongoing health issues resulting from prostate cancer," the release said on Wednesday, Sputnik reported.
at these Games,"
USOC chief of sport Alan Ashley said in a release, "and we look forward to cheering for each member of Team USA on the world's greatest stage.
"The
USOC should have been there to hear it in person, and I am deeply sorry that did not happen."