Let's Go: Catch a glimpse of rising Olympic stars

By: JEFF PACK - Staff Writer | Saturday, September 24, 2005 8:53 PM PDT ∞

The Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, China, won't take place until August 2008, but in Chula Vista, competition for a gold medal is already under way.

The Arco Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista is the year-round training home to many American athletes and ---- unknown to some ---- is open to the public for free tours. It is a unique opportunity to visit one of only three U.S.O.C. training centers in the country, the others located in Lake Placid, N.Y. and Colorado Springs, Colo.

Guided tours of the training center begin from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every hour on the hour, starting at the Copley Visitor Center. Guided tours are also available for large groups, but the center asks that you call ahead and make reservations.

The Copley Visitor Center features a theater and the Olympic Spirit Store, featuring a line of official United States Olympic Committee and Olympic merchandise and memorabilia. From there, guides will lead visitors on a tour of portions of the 150-acre complex, including offering view of athletes in training from an elevated visitor promenade known as the Conrad N. Hilton Olympic Path.

The training center is adjacent to Lower Otay Lake in San Diego County and has sport venues and support facilities for eight Olympic sports: archery, canoe/kayak, cycling, field hockey, rowing, soccer, tennis, and track and field.

The training center just recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and is home to the Sharp Health Care Sport Science and Sports Medicine facility, where athletes receive medical care, participate in sport science evaluation and receive strength and conditioning training in the gym. Meals are provided in the dining hall where the U.S.O.C. staff is capable of serving 1,000 meals a day. The center also offers athletes 34 two-bedroom suites as a home away from home.

To visit the Arco Olympic Training Center, take Interstate 805 to Chula Vista and exit Olympic Parkway, drive east approximately 8 miles and turn right into the Copley Visitor Center. For visitor information, call (619) 482-6222 or visit www.usoc.org.

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