Background of the MWTC Elite and MWYTC
Mountain West Track Club was established in 1988 by Coach Marta Timmons as one of the first all-female elite track clubs in the World. The club did open up to some men in the early years but transitioned back to women only in the early 1990’s, until its end in 2014.
The premise behind the Mountain West was to provide an optimal training environment, as well as worldwide competitive opportunities for elite level track and field athletes. Marta’s goal was to build and coach a cohesive group of athletes that could work together toward achieving a common goal of athletic excellence. Over the years Mountain West athletes have qualified in such events as the; Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, Francophonie Games, World XC Championships, US Ekiden Team, US Road Racing Championships and NACAC XC Championships.
During the fall of 2009, former elite member Vicky Pounds and Coach Marta Timmons collaborated to form a youth division of Mountain West Track Club that is still active today. The goal in starting the Youth program is to provide young athletes with a support system that gives them access to high level coaching and competitive opportunities in track and field year-round.
MWYTC provides athletes with experienced coaches who can help them develop athletic skills in the sport of track and field. The club has given athletes competitive opportunities to qualify for State, Regional and National teams as well as help athletes earn athletic scholarships to universities across the USA.
The contribution that Mountain West Track Club has made in our community along with the advancement of equality for women in sport is unprecedented, greatly appreciated and valued by many. Without Marta’s vision and generosity this would not have been possible. Marta has left a true legacy that continues on to this day.