News 14 Carolina's David Kernodle has more on where some Olympic hopefuls are calling home this weekend.
CHARLOTTE -- One hundred thirty athletes and 30,000 spectators are expected to attend the Olympic trials at the U.S. National Whitewater Center this weekend, numbers that add up to be big bucks for businesses in the area. But some athletes and fans are avoiding paying anything at all.
To be at his best this weekend, everything has to be just right for Canadian kayaker Ben Hayward. He can't forget a thing -- from the gear to living in the right place. Hayward and a handful others are shacking up in a single-wide about a half-mile from the whitewater center.
It's not five-star but it's convenient
Canadian kayaker Ben Hayward and a handful others are shacking up in a single-wide about a half-mile from the whitewater center.
"It's definitely making it a lot easier not having to rely on cars all the time," said Hayward.
Just down the driveway, a fellow paddler is roughing it, and it doesn't stop there. In a wooded area just a few mile away, more camping kayakers are avoiding spending cash to crash.
But most folks, athletes and spectators alike, are hitting the hotels. A select few athletes that have been in town the last few weeks or months have been rooming with other families in surrounding cities.
"They are Olympic athletes, they don't get paid, it is a tough life to live, so anytime they can get help like that by the locals it's been great," said Jeff Wise, executive director of the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
At least three hotels in Gaston County are sold out for the entire weekend.