The USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center will serve as the official training site for women's gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics in the build-up to next year's Olympics in London.

"We know this is an effective training location," said Steve Penny, President of USA Gymnastics.

"The success of our women's team since 2000 is a strong indication of the team values that are created at the ranch, and we are proud to provide this training environment to our top athletes in rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, and trampoline and tumbling."

The Karolyi Ranch includes housing for 300 athletes, coaches and administrators; three training gyms, two artistic and one multi-discipline (rhythmic, trampoline/tumbling, acro); a dance studio; dining and recreational areas; medical and rehab facilities; and office space.

The training gym for rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics was added in 2010.

"The US Olympic Committee recognises the significance of the Karolyi Ranch to USA Gymnastics' success over the last decade," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"This type of facility is an excellent model for the Olympic Movement, and the designation as an official training site underscores the USOC's support of this relationship."

Located in the middle of the Sam Houston Forest, the ranch is owned and operated by Bela and Martha Karolyi, who settled in the US after leaving Romania when they sought political asylum in 1981.

Among the gymnasts the couple have trained are Nadia Comăneci, Mary Lou Retton (pictured), Betty Okino, Kerri Strug, Teodora Ungureanu, Kim Zmeskal, Kristie Phillips and Dominique Moceanu.



In total, Karolyi has coached nine Olympic champions, 15 world champions, 16 European medalists and six US national champions.

The ranch has hosted all of the elite training activities for the US women's team since 2001.

This includes both national and international training camps, team selection camps and events, national qualifiers, international events, developmental camps and educational events, including high performance coaching seminars and international judges' certification events.

In the last few years, rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline/tumbling have also held camps at the ranch.

"The Karolyis continue to invest in providing USA Gymnastics with a facility that is entirely devoted to the training of our elite athletes," said Penny.

"We plan to strengthen the depth of our athlete development pipeline in the coming years, and the ranch will play a fundamental role in accomplishing that goal."

The Karolyis have entered into a long-term lease agreement with USA Gymnastics for the National Team Training Centre.

Bela Karolyi, 68, will continue as director of facilities.

"We are very proud of this recognition and look forward to working with USA Gymnastics and the USOC as we prepare for London and beyond," said Bela Karolyi.

"Both Martha and I want to create a meaningful legacy for USA Gymnastics, and this relationship allows us to accomplish that."