The United States and Brazilian Olympic committees announced a deal Thursday that could result in some of Brazil's top athletes using U.S. training centers.
Brazilian Olympic Committee president Carlos Nuzman and U.S. counterpart Larry Probst signed the deal at a meeting of Olympic organizations in Acapulco.
Just over a year ago, the two countries were locked in competition to host the 2016 Olympic Games. Chicago lost out to Brazil's Rio de Janeiro in the race to host the 2016 games.
''Rather than create rivalry, that competition helped establish some very positive, meaningful relationships,'' Probst said. ''This agreement is evidence that the Olympic Movement and the advancement of values like friendship and respect transcend cultures and competitions.''
Nuzman said athletes from both countries would ''benefit greatly,'' while Probst underlined the spirit of friendship in the Olympic movement symbolized by the deal.
''We are delighted to sign this cooperation agreement, which strengthens the good relationship always maintained between the Brazilian Olympic Committee and the USOC,'' Nuzman said. ''I am certain the Brazilian and U.S. athletes will benefit greatly from it.
''We are in the beginning of our journey to 2016, and with this agreement, we will be able to better assist the technical preparation of the athletes of both countries.''
As well as athlete exchanges, the agreement includes a pledge from the American committee to help Brazilian athletes prepare for the 2012 Olympics in London. Brazilian athletes have also been promised preferential access to U.S. Olympic training centers.
