USOC's sport performance chief resigns

Steve Roush resigned Tuesday from the U.S. Olympic Committee, five months after laying the foundation for a record medal haul at the Beijing Games and becoming embroiled in controversy over cyclists who wore pollution masks.

Roush, 50, served as chief of sport performance for the Colorado Springs-based USOC since March 2003. He worked three years as a USOC sport partnership director following a six-year stint as USA Swimming's assistant executive director.

In a recent senior management reorganization, Roush was given control of international games, performance services and Olympic Training Centers. Before that, he guided USOC divisions that provided services to athletes and national governing bodies.

The U.S. won 110 medals in August, its most in a non-boycotted Olympics. It also captured the most total medals for the fourth straight Summer Games and more silvers (38) and bronzes (36) than any country.

Four American cyclists later claimed Roush threatened to kick them out of the Olympics if they didn't apologize for wearing USOC-issued masks Aug. 5 in the Beijing airport.

They issued an apology letter through the USOC but said it was botched by Roush and USA Cycling communications director Andy Lee. Three of the cyclists called for Roush to be fired.

In a statement, Roush said he "had time to reflect and think about whether the time is right to pursue some new opportunities professionally. ... We have put in place a number of programs that will enable America's athletes and NGBs to sustain their competitive excellence well into the future."