Building on Birmingham's international reputation and following an approach from the USA at the excellent Norwich Union International between teams from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the US, Russia and China , the United States track and field team are set to base themselves in Birmingham during the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Birmingham has staged more world and European championships than any other city, including the World Indoor Championships in 2003 and the European Athletics Indoor Championships and regularly stages the Olympic trials and top international matches.

Councillor Mike Whitby, the Leader of Birmingham City Council, joined Stephanie Hightower, chairwoman of USA Track & Field, to announce that they are close to reaching an agreement to seal this important deal.

Councillor Mike Whitby said: "Birmingham is a world class city for sport and I am absolutely delighted to publicly announce that we are close to reaching an agreement for the US team to base themselves in our city in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games. 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."

Stephanie 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. It is important for our athletes to know in advance where they are going to be based so they can prepare themselves for this and this is why we are keen to commit to an early agreement."

The US team always includes some of the biggest names in the sport. Previous teams have included iconic names, such as Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Al Oerter, Carl Lewis, Florence Griffith Joyner and Michael Johnson.

The negotiations started in August last year while the US team were in Birmingham to compete in the Norwich Union International at Alexander Stadium and the US team, along with China and Russia, were invited to a civic reception hosted by Councillor Mike Whitby.

Stephanie Hightower and Craig Masback, CEO of USA Track & Field, are currently attending the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham to finalise the agreement.

This announcement comes just two days after Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, described Birmingham as the "UK's pre-eminent city for sport". Previously, Lord Coe has said Birmingham is the "centre of track and field in Britain".

ENDS

Further information from Simon Houltby 07900 903435