Gov. Polis addresses ‘Olympic City USA’

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - KRDO13 has been following some Olympic teams moving to North Carolina to train.

KRDO13 has learned that 4 teams now call Charlotte their home base for training. That’s USA archery, USA field hockey, USA judo, and USA taekwondo. Two additional teams that previously trained in Colorado Springs also now train in other states.

KRDO13 has spoken with multiple other teams that are also in talks to move to North Carolina. That's because high-ranking officials on those teams tell us they don't have the resources they need at the U.S. Olympic training center here in Colorado Springs. 

KRDO13 asked Gov. Polis if he is taking any action to engage athletes or others to ensure more athletes do not leave Colorado. Are there other steps he is taking? Was he aware of these conversations/efforts to move athletes into North Carolina and a larger push by some to establish North Carolina as the "Olympic State?"

His response can be watched above. His office also issued the following statement.

“Governor Polis is proud of Colorado’s Olympic history and the role our state plays in supporting and competing in the Summer and Winter Olympics — Colorado is the best place to live and train for the Olympics. The Governor is a strong supporter of Colorado Springs and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, and knows that our state is a strong partner to help ensure Colorado Springs remains a world-class location for training and competing for athletes from around the world.”

Office of Gov. Polis Spokesperson