(ATR) Team USA will operate without its chief spokesperson during the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics next month in South Korea.
The PyeongChang 2018 Games begin on Feb. 9 but athletes and officials representing the United States will begin arriving at the Olympic Village on Feb. 1 when it officially opens. Around the Rings is told it will be business as usual for the United States Olympic Committee with one exception.
"Our communications team will be similar to recent Games, involve support for each sport and limited headquarters staff at the Main Press Center," a spokesperson told ATR.
"Unfortunately, we’ll be without Patrick Sandusky, our chief spokesperson, who’s on medical leave. The good news is that all signs are positive and we’re really hopeful to have him back in action soon."
Sandusky became the USOC’s Chief Communications Officer in 2009 after serving as chief spokesperson of the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid. He is now the Chief External Affairs Officer overseeing communications and international relations in the Colorado Springs headquarters as well as government relations in Washington, D.C.
Despite his absence, Team USA is eager to arrive in PyeongChang and attempt to top its previous best medal haul at the Winter Olympics of 37. Team USA could set a Winter Olympics participation record with more than 235 athletes expected to qualify for the Games.
"The team is coming together and everyone is very excited to get on the ground and get the competitions started," a USOC spokesperson told ATR.
The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics will run from Feb. 9-25, followed by the Winter Paralympics scheduled for March 8-18.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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