Why Tallahassee is selected as Official Training Sites

Tallahassee was chosen because of ample training facilities and the comparable climate to Atlanta.

The Great Britain Olympic Team at the end of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games realized their technical training methods must change in order to compete successfully in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The British Olympic Association (BOA), Great Britain's equivalent to the United States Olympic Committee, has committed to send the best prepared team possible to the 1996 Games. "We must make sure that we leave no stone unturned in our search for that small percentage which might mean the difference between a medal and a mere placing," proclaimed Kevin Hickey, Technical Director of the BOA.

The BOA, motivated by Hickey, are systematically changing their operation. The BOA is developing a wide range of training tools for the athletes. Specifically, the emphasis is now placed on sports medicine and related technologies so that the athlete, coach, manager or national federation can rapidly expand their skills. The goal is to bring a total professional focus to Olympic training for their elite athletes.

Tallahassee/Thomasville proved to be the only location in the southeast to meet the BOA's objective. Now the Great Britain Olympic Team athletes come to learn what it takes to win in extreme heat and humidity. Their training camps will take place during the spring, summer and fall of 1994.

BOA-USA OLYMPIC TRAINING CAMPS 1994-96

The 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta will take place in a temperature range of 22 degrees C (low), 31 degrees C (high), 26 degrees C (average) and percentage humidity of 87% (AM average), to 51% (PM average). British athletes will be disadvantaged unless an acclimatisation programme is undertaken as an integral part of the programme of preparation. Whilst the acclimatisation factor is imperative for outdoor sports, it should not be forgotten that all British athletes will need to adjust to living in the Olympic village's prevalent climate. A whole strategy is needed to cope with air conditioning, with guidance from the best possible sports scientists and access to proven American good practice.

The 1990-93 BOA Olympic Camps clearly showed the value of Multi-sport Camps. The mixing of British sports leads to improved team spirit, promotes a cross-fertilisation across sports and provides for an Olympic family spirit. A clearer understanding and appreciation of Olympism should follow.

Each Games has a unique character and Atlanta will be no exception. The 1994-96 BOA-USA Camps will enable athletes to be prepared for the American Southern culture. It is intended that there will be an education programme specifically aimed at developing relationships with the American hosts.

It is important that the BOA sports science and medicine groups' representatives are given the opportunity to deliver their services at the Camps. Links with the American experts will enrich the programme, provide a focus for staff workshops and a resource of data for future Olympic cycles.

The Tallahassee community has guaranteed the quality of the training facilities and support services in science and medicine. Plans are afoot to introduce a social programme, providing the opportunity for British athletes to meet and mix with the local people.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To offer primary sports specific training and appropriate facilities which are available when needed.

To provide secondary training facilities in the shape of running track, weight training, circuit training, etc as each sport requires when needed.

To provide a sports medicine backup service with access to the Tallahassee Orthopaedic Clinic, which is coordinated by BOA medical staff.

To formulate a rehydration, nutrition and acclimatisation strategy for Atlanta.

To provide a sports science support programme using key BOA staff and USA resources in terms of personnel and sports science facilities/equipment.

To coordinate a programme of workshops and presentations on appropriate subjects for athletes and staff, using BOA and invited American leaders.

To organize joint events with the Tallahassee hosts of a social and cultural nature.

To ensure that the programme for athletes is balanced in that it includes access to a variety of recreational facilities.

To develop a two-way educational programme with the community of Tallahassee.

To run formal and informal sessions for individual and/or groups of athletes on Lifestyle Management.

To have a press/TV/media schedule which maximizes the potential news value of the Camps, without interfering with the athletes' focus.

To ensure that a secure and safe environment is provided.

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