One of the most successful coaches in the history of USA Gymnastics’ Junior Olympic program (now known as the Development Program), Rand was hugely influential both regionally and nationally as an administrator, gym owner, volunteer and coach.
Rand began his coaching career at Durham Dynasty Gymnastics in Durham, N.C., before moving to Florida and eventually opening his own gym, American Twisters, in 1986 in East Boca Raton and a second location in Boca Raton 10 years later. Over the course of his career, Rand trained 12 National Team members, but his biggest impact may have been beyond the competitive arena.
An innovator in the gym business realm, he also served for years as the Junior Olympic State and Regional Committee chair, as well as the Elite Regional chair. He was instrumental in designing the women’s 2005 Junior Olympic compulsories and was a charter member of the Elite Coaches Association.
Rand produced a series of 20 instructional videos and organized or spoke at countless camps and clinics. USA Gymnastics Women’s Program Service Award honorees, Rand and his wife, Toni LaFleur Rand, were inducted into the Region 8 Hall of Fame in 2006, the year Rand retired from the gym business. Rand passed away in 2007 and was inducted into the USAG Hall of Fame posthumously. He is survived by Toni, their daughters Alissa McGraw and Serena Albauer, and two grandchildren, Parker and Addison. The Tim Rand Invitational is now held annually in his name.
