COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Convinced they've made a fresh start in international relations, U.S. Olympic Committee leaders believe now is the time to build a consensus inside the country to bring an Olympics back to America.

Speaking at the USOC's annual assembly Friday, CEO Scott Blackmun said outreach with politicians in Washington is as important to landing an Olympics as international relationships.

The USOC has formed a committee to study a possible bid for the 2024 or 2026 Olympics.

Chairman Larry Probst conceded that "when I stepped into this role four years ago, we were engulfed in a period of challenge and turmoil, and that's an understatement."

He said the USOC overcame a major obstacle by reaching a revenue-sharing agreement with the International Olympic Committee.

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