America is still recovering from the humiliation three years ago of seeing Chicago eliminated in the first round of voting for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, which were awarded to Rio de Janeiro.

Probst and Scott Blackmun, the chief executive of the USOC, have since made a conscientious effort to improve America's reputation abroad and they see this meeting as another important stepping stone.

"Establishing meaningful relationships outside of the United States is one of our top priorities," said Probst.

"We're making an ongoing and concerted effort to be present at international events and to be constructive while we're there.

"We've learned a lot by traveling and engaging on a global level – Scott and I want to be out and visible so we can build friendships, share resources and support the worldwide Olympic Movement."

Blackmun admitted that the USOC has needed to become more open and listen to the international community.

"We recognise the need for a more global orientation and we've tried to take a more active approach in establishing and strengthening relationships," he said.

"Starting at the [2010] Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver – where we held nearly 100 international meetings – and continuing through every major international event over the course of the last two years, we have been present and engaged."

The US sat out the bid campaign for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics and Probst warned that, although they are now more engaged with their international colleagues, that there will be no bid until they have reached an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over revenue sharing.

The USOC currently receives a 20 per cent share of global sponsorship revenue and a 12.75 per cent share of US broadcast rights deals.

Many international officials think it is too big a portion.

"Hosting the Olympic Games is an invaluable endeavour for the USOC that connects us to the American public in a way that's good for us and for our athletes long-term," said Probst.

"Not only does having US-based Games create fan awareness, but it affects the amount of sponsor and donor support that we can generate for our athletes.

"While bidding for the right to host the Games will always be a priority for the USOC, no US bids will be considered until a new revenue-sharing agreement is in place with the IOC.

"While that is an incredibly complicated task, we feel good about our progress and our relationship with the IOC, and remain hopeful that we will reach a mutually beneficial accommodation in the near term.

"The ongoing talks continue to show progress."

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