USA Gymnastics Message

By Kathy Kelly

Dear Members,

2003 promises to be a most exciting year as we prepare to compete against the world at the 2003 World Championships and the Pan American Games. The women's team is poised and ready. Highlights of the great athletic achievements over the last few years include: Team bronze medal at the 2001 World Championships; gold medals on Uneven Bars and Balance Beam and bronze medal on Floor at the 2002 Individual World Championships; a sweep of medals at the 2003 Visa American Cup (1st, 2nd, 3rd All-Around and 1st in every event); and the amazing depth of talent displayed at the Pacific Challenge by our two teams (1st and 2nd Team and 1st thru 11th All-Around). You will be Proud to be an American this summer!

It is no accident! For the first time in history, the women have established and embraced a National Program. Each national team coach and their athletes are using a similar training plan, complete with physical conditioning, dance, skill achievement and technical support. In January of 2001, the International Elite Committee named Martha Karolyi as its National Team Coordinator. Martha has worked in cooperation with the International Elite Committee and all the personal coaches to form the core of our program. The commitment to excellence is apparent on the competitive floor, in the training camps, and within the hearts of the athletes and coaches.

As a testimonial to our unity and sense of purpose, the program has named the Karolyi Ranch as the official National Team Training Center. A new addition has been built according to the designs drafted by Tom Forster. The coaches are working together to make our training center "state of art," complete with all the training devices, rehabilitation facilities, and other necessities that our team needs and deserves. Much has already been accomplished through the joint efforts of Bela and the coaches. On May 19, we will announce the official grand opening of the training center with a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony.

We invite all of you to partner with us in this effort to support our great athletes by buying a commemorative brick which will become a permanent part of the Center. Current and past National Team Member Clubs and Olympians will have a special section reserved for them with their brick placed on the Walk of Fame. The proceeds generated by this project will go directly toward the women's program and support of our National Team members, coaches and clubs. Watch the USA Gymnastics web site for instructions on how to order your brick! Be a part of gymnastics history! In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all of the national team members and coaches for their continued dedication to our beautiful sport. If you have the chance - pat them on the back and encourage them to continue to represent the clubs, athletes and United States at the highest level.

Kathy Kelly


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