Charlotte Leaders Exploring Possibility Of Hosting Summer Olympics

Tools

by Kirk Hawkins
Bio | Email | Follow: @kirkhawkins by Photographer Terrance Walker

Story Created: Feb 21, 2013 at 12:04 AM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 21, 2013 at 12:08 AM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--"Faster, Higher, Stronger," isn't just the Olympic motto. It's a lifestyle for Kyle Darmody. "It's always in the back of my mind," said the South Charlotte Resident.

The 18 year old is one of the Olympic hopefuls on the elite high school SwimMac team working toward the goal of competing in the Olympic games. "I just like to race and train and do everything about it." said North Charlotte Resident and 15 year old Kathleen Baker.

Just like achieving a gold medal, the process of becoming a host city isn't easy, or cheap. It costs upwards of 10 million dollars just to put a bid together. The three billion dollar operating budget for the games doesn't include local infrastructure and venue construction. "I think the Carolinas in particular and I think Charlotte specifically can run a fantastic Olympic games," said SwimMAC Carolina Head Coach David Marsh. Marsh was a member of the U.S. team's staff in London last summer. "The global attention that it brings is worth every effort we can in Charlotte to make a bid to put this on and make an effort," he said.

Darmody hopes city leaders will use the same philosophy that helps him get out of bed for early morning workouts. "You just gotta tell yourself it will all work out in the end.  It will all be worth it. All the hard work you put in it now will pay off in the end,"Darmody said.

The U.S.O.C.'s requirements include 45,000 hotel rooms. Right now, the Charlotte region is short about 15,000 rooms. But, we do have a major hub airport. And we are home to Ike Belk, the largest individual donor to the U.S. Olympic Committee. The U.S.O.C. has just over two years to select a city.

blog comments powered by Disqus

What's On TonightFull Schedule

So You Think You Can Dance
8.00
so you think you can dance