Bellingham, who won an Olympic gold medal in kayak at Seoul in 1988, joined the USOC in November 2006 and currently assists chief executive Scott Blackmun with the day-to-day operations of the organisation, as well as manages the continued development and implementation of the USOC's strategic plan.

When he leaves later this month, he will continue to consult with the USOC on specific projects, officials claimed.

Bellingham was a key player in trying to develop the USOC's Olympic TV network - a plan that did not work out and embroiled them in huge controversy with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) - but was also central in the difficult negotiations that kept USOC headquarters in Colorado Springs for the next 30 years.

"For the last four-plus years, Norman has played an integral role in the leadership of the Olympic Movement in America and the operation of the USOC," Blackmun said.

"Our organisation is better positioned for success than at any time in recent memory thanks to Norman's dedication and effort, and I'm personally grateful for his assistance and counsel.

"We will miss his deep knowledge of the Olympic Movement."

Larry Probst, the chairman of the USOC, also paid tribute to Bellingham, who had applied for the chief executive's job taken by Blackmun.

"Norman has been a fantastic leader for our organisation and someone who truly embodies the Olympic spirit and its values," said Probst. 

"I have no doubt that Norman will continue to live those values in whatever he does moving forward in life.

"He truly is an Olympian in every sense of the word."

Bellingham, who had joined the USOC from Turner Broadcasting System, where he served as senior vice-president of strategic planning from 2002-2006, claimed that he was leaving because now the Olympic Movement in America was in a more stable position he felt it was time to move on.

"Four-and-a-half years ago I was offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in a position to have an impact on the Olympic Movement in the US," said Bellingham.

"I am very grateful and honoured to have had that opportunity.

"With the organisation in a strong and stable place it is the right time for me to move on to new challenges.

"I'd like to thank Scott and Larry for their leadership and understanding as I transition to the next phase in my career."

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