How to Apply as a Resident Athlete at an Olympic Training Center

A host of Olympic training centers exist throughout the United States. Athletes favor Olympic training centers due to the often rigorous specificity of various Olympic events, and the center's ability to provide a productive training environment. However, certain qualifications must be met by the athlete--as well as contractually-binded requirements--before the athlete can begin their training regimen.

Things You'll Need

• Ability to relocate
• Olympic-caliber talent
• Money

Instructions

How to Apply as a Resident at an Olympic Training Center

1. Prepare to be drug-tested on a regular basis. Every reputable Olympic training center drug-tests its athletes on a rigid schedule. Training center do not wish to be associated with an athlete that is caught “cheating.” However, they also wish to keep a drug-free environment for the younger athletes that train in their building.

2. Relocate, if need be. Often, the best training facility for your particular event will not be located within close proximity of your home. If such is the case, prepare to relocate for a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years. Consider that you will also need the required financial support for such a move, as dedicated Olympic training for three years is not a cheap proposal.

3. Assimilate to the Olympic training center's rules and regulations. Most training centers have a strict “quiet hours” policy that usually spans from 10:00 pm - 8:00 am. If you are a night person, learn to appreciate a good book or participate in some other form of quiet activity. Other rules include limited visitor hours and increased security when on the premises.

4. Assess your personal talent or have an expert assess your talent. Do not apply to an Olympic training center until you are positive that you have the necessary talent needed to succeed at your event.

5. Submit the necessary paperwork to your local Olympic training center. Response time depends on the particular facility, but athletes often receive a response between one month and six months.

Tips & Warnings

• Phone the training center before you apply. Speak with a knowledgeable employee of the desired training center to get a feel for the day-to-day life of a resident athlete. Save as much money as possible before you decide to enter an Olympic training facility. The training center will want your undivided attention, and will often require that you quit your job in advance.

• Understand the commitment before you apply to an Olympic training facility. Often, you will need to sacrifice your money, personal life, and free time in order to achieve Olympic glory.