The National TOPs Camp was comprised of three days of educational opportunities for both the athlete and her coach on basics, sports science and general development of these talented young athletes, Dec. 4-8. USA Gymnastics' National Coaching staff, along with coaching support personnel and sport science professionals, conducted the camp. A "B" camp was held for additional gymnasts, Dec. 8-12, but they paid for their own expenses. The TOPs program has shown dramatic success over the last 13 years and continues to be a big part of the success of the USA women's program.
USA Gymnastics caught up with ELite Program Manager Gary Warren who answered some questions about the program.
Q: Who came up with the conditioning drills and skills that the gymnasts must complete? A: All of the TOP physical Abilities and Gymnastics Skills are developed and approved by the National Elite Program Committee. This committee represents each of the eight regions throughout the United States and its members are voted upon by the membership within each region. Gary Anderson is the NEPC Chairman.
Q: As the program manager, how do you try to keep the testing equal from one region to another? A: This is accomplished through education of the state and regional evaluators. Each state has one person responsible for the TOP test within that state. It is his/her responsibility to see that the TOP test is conducted according to the TOP Manual. Q: Are you pleased with the increase in the number of gymnasts testing in the TOPs program? A: The numbers throughout the years have always grown. However, this year, we had a 33% increase in participation. Thirty one hundred athletes ages 7-11 tested TOPs this year. We will now go back and develop additional programs to accommodate this increase in numbers.