BIRMINGHAM has clinched an agreement to be a training base for the United States track and field team in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympics.
Stephanie Hightower, chairwoman of USA Track & Field, has confirmed the deal.
Hightower said: "The USA track and field team has been coming to Birmingham to compete and train for many years and we are very happy with the facilities and infrastructure that Birmingham has.
"We know this city understands the needs of our athletes and have every confidence in the Birmingham team being able to meet our needs.
"Our athletes know the city and feel at home here and this is an important factor in our choice of a venue for a training camp."
Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, expressed his delight.
Whitby said: "They are the most successful athletics team in the history of the Olympic Games and it says a lot about the quality of the sports facilities and our experience and expertise of looking after athletes that the US team is so keen to come to our city.
"It is a real coup, not only because of the significant economic benefits it will bring to the city, but because of the phenomenal media interest and coverage that will accompany such a high profile team."
