South Lake County has long been a sports destination for many weekend warriors, amateur and professional athletes including triathlon, cycling, and runners. The draw to the area includes the unique hills coupled with the numerous lakes, warm weather and popular sporting events such as the Great Floridian Triathlon.
In the 1990s, the community hospital, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, was preparing to build a new hospital in Clermont. Hospital administration, along with physicians and USA Triathlon, had the vision to create true health, education, and wellness campus that would not only serve the medical needs of the residents but provide sports, health and fitness options to the community and beyond.
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital opened the National Training Center in 2001 with a 37,000 square foot fitness facility with two group fitness studios, an aquatic center with a 70-meter x 25 yard heated outdoor pool, athletic fields and a Human Performance Lab for sports science testing. In 2002, in partnership with the State of Florida, a 400-meter outdoor track and field complex and cross country course was added. The NTC also began hosting events for both community residents and athletes such as sprint triathlons, 5K/10K races, half and full marathons, and track and field events. In 2008, the NTC, partnering with Lake-Sumter Community College and Lake County, opened Legends Way Ballfields for softball and baseball.
In addition to its facilities, the NTC has built an experienced staff of degreed exercise specialists and coaches that provide advanced training using the latest techniques in fitness and performance.
In its first 10 years of operation, the National Training Center has served thousands of community members through fitness memberships, events, and youth programming. It has also hosted thousands of athletes from over 25 countries, hundreds of colleges and dozens of Olympic athletes in various sports for training and events including track and field, triathlon, swimming and diving, running, soccer, cycling, rugby, lacrosse, water polo, synchronized swimming, cyclo-cross and more.
The NTC’s unique blend of programming for youth, adults, and athletes, makes it a facility that is one of a kind. The campus continues to evolve and grow with innovative equipment and training methods and hosts world-class health and fitness experts. The Orlando Health South Lake Hospital campus is also home to Special Olympics Florida, Brandy Johnson’s Global Gymnastics, and is adjacent to the campus of Lake Sumter Community College and the University of Central Florida.