HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Dec. 2, 2011 – USA Gymnastics’ Talent Opportunity Program (TOPs) is in its 20th season and is still going strong. Fifty athletes are participating in the three-day National TOPs Team Camp at the Women’s National Team Training Center, held at the Karolyi Ranch in Huntsville, Texas, Nov. 30-Dec. 4. For the second-consecutive year, 8-year-old gymnasts participated in the training camps with tremendous success. The athletes were instructed in all four Olympic events and dance by the National Team Developmental Coaching staff. Lectures were also given by the staff to the coaches on training techniques.

TOPs is a talent search and educational program for female gymnasts ages 7-11 and their coaches. Former TOPs athletes include Carly Patterson, Chellsie Memmel, Courtney Kupets, Tasha Schwikert, Alicia Sacramone and Samantha Peszek, just to name a few.