From Deseret News archives:
Center to aid winter athletes
Never, in the history of winter sports in the United States, has this been possible.
In fact, a lot of what winter athletes go through presently, said Ted Ligety of Park City, a gold medalist in the 2006 Olympics, is "old school ... This center will definitely make it possible for us to compete by maximizing our training ... winter and summer."
The new center will be located at the Quinn's Junction of U.S. 40 going toward Heber and state Route 248 heading into Park City. The land was donated by Vaughn, David and Dick Burbridge.
Groundbreaking on the $22.5 million center was held last week. By the spring of 2009, it will be operational, said Bill Marolt, president and CEO of U.S. Ski Association.
It will comprise 85,000 square feet on three levels, and will offer athletes the latest in science, technology, medical, education and physical training.
The center is patterned after those found in Australia, noted Andy Walshe, director of science and education for the ski team who came to the United States from Australia.
"This center will be tied to educational technology that will make it possible to send this information to everyone, not just the elite athletes. These resources will be available to developing athletes, domestic clubs, parents, volunteers and officials. We will be able to share this information almost real-time via the Web."
Coaches, too, will be able to sit almost anywhere in the world and watch live as their respective athletics are going through training.
"Obviously, we're not going to give away our secrets, but basic training and preparation information will be available," said Walshe.
"This is a fundamental step forward in the training of world-class athletes."
Ligety said the Austrians also have this technology available, "and you can tell. They have one of the strongest winter programs in the world. This will definitely help us."
Marolt said, "This is something we've been working on for 10 years. It started with the idea of having a place for athletes who are injured to come to rehabilitate. It grew from there into a full-blown national training center for skiers and snowboarders."
The center will be completed in time to aid those athletes headed for the 2010 Winter Games, and will be in full service for those headed for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
E-mail: grass@desnews.com
Comments
- 4A: Brown plays big for Timpview 11:24 p.m.
- Photo: A feast for the poor 11:23 p.m.
- 4A: Springville 29, Dixie 21 11:12 p.m.
- ESPN suddenly loves MWC 11:10 p.m.
- 3A: Juan Diego 35, Wasatch 14 11:04 p.m.
- Utah manufacturers going lean 10:57 p.m.
- Feds to seize 4 Iran-linked mosques 10:55 p.m.
- Utes face stiff test in opener 10:54 p.m.
- Hasan is charged with murder 10:53 p.m.
- 4A: Turnovers doomed Mustangs 10:51 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
318 - TCU showdown has big implications
195 - Senators want food tax restored
158 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
142 - Will state consider gay rights law?
137 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
119 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - Utes remain silent about BCS
112 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
110
What do two of America's most successful business men know that conservatives...
All i gotta SAY GO T-Birds!! Springville Sorry but u had a easy way 2 state...
Mountain Crest's skill players are much better than Timpview's...the TV line...
Throwing in a surprise DIME package with 6 DB's. Timpview's defense bended...
03 hunter would blow out alta.
Broke his leg. They hauled him off on a stretcher.
There's no way we get into a packed house in chicago and try to sit back. We...
I was right there with her, til she quit. She'll make a ton of money. ...
Enjoyed your post. It's good to read sensible comments in this cyber...
THANK YOU!!! I'm LDS in Southern CA and I'm so sick of hearing "we're...


You can be the first to comment on this story.