INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., July 18, 2007 — “USA Gymnastics: Behind the Team” gives fans an inside look at men’s gymnastics in the USA. Fans not only see the gymnasts training, but also hear from gymnasts and coaches on what it will take for the USA to get back on top in 2007. The newest episode of the online series also examines the three paths male gymnasts take to compete at the highest level and to reach their ultimate goal, the Olympic Games. “Behind the Team” is available only on the AT&T blue room Team USA site (www.attblueroom.com/teamusa).
The men’s program is rebuilding its team after its success at the 2004 Olympic Games, where it won the team silver medal. Both gymnasts and coaches talk about the USA’s disappointing 13th-place finish at the 2006 World Championships and how it has become a motivating factor as they prepare for the 2007 World Championships and qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Capitalizing on the strengths of the available avenues, the men’s program has evolved into a partnership of club programs, collegiate gymnastics programs and a full-time training program at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. From 2001-2004, the U.S. Men’s Team was among the most consistent in the world, with team medal performances at the 2001 and 2003 World Championships and the 2004 Olympic Games.
“USA Gymnastics: Behind the Team” is a joint initiative of USA Gymnastics and AT&T. Visitors to the AT&T blue room Team USA site can sign up to receive e-mail alerts when new “Behind the Team” episodes are launched.
Visitors can also download a free, customizable USA Gymnastics Desktop Communicator. The Communicator includes an RSS news feed, alerts users to breaking gymnastics news, runs a countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, displays weather information for selected ZIP codes and showcases special promotions and offers.
The AT&T blue room Team USA site gives sports fans intimate access to U.S. Olympic Team hopefuls across a range of sports.
AT&T is an official partner of the USA Gymnastics.