Sandusky had been acting in the role since October 2009, and now permanently becomes the USOC's fourth-ever head of communications.

Sandusky was the former spokesperson and vice president of communications for the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid.

Scott Blackmun, the new chief executive of the USOC, said: "We are extremely happy that Patrick has joined the USOC family for the long-term and that a leader of Patrick's caliber is moving to Colorado Springs.

"Having him on our team since last October has had a positive impact for the USOC, and I believe that both the Colorado Springs community and the Olympic Movement in the US will benefit by Patrick and his family moving to Colorado Springs."

Prior to Chicago 2016, Sandusky spent 10 years at the global public relations firm Hill & Knowlton, where he was vice president of the firm's sports marketing practice.

He managed large-scale, multinational communications programmes for both the Chicago and London offices, including London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

In addition to his work in the Olympic Movement, Sandusky has worked on projects related to Wimbledon, World Cup, Rugby World Cup, English Premiership, NASCAR and NCAA football for clients such as Gillette, Nestle, Robinsons, Allstate Insurance, Gatorade and Chelsea Football Club.

He said: "I am excited to be able to work closely with Scott Blackmun over the coming years in this incredibly important role for the Olympic Movement in America.

"Over the past few months my wife and I have been warmly embraced by the Colorado Springs community and have felt at home in this welcoming and extremely livable city.

"I look forward to exciting days ahead.

"This job is a dream come true for me and my wife, and with two young children, we think this is a fantastic community to raise our family in.

"I am looking forward to building closer relationships in this community, in the Movement and with our sponsors over the coming years."

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