This research aims to examine how the High-Performance Training Center can become a key factor to achieve success in elite sport in Ecuador. In order to do so, a qualitative research was performed using in-depth interviews with the main constituencies of the organization, who are: elite athletes, elite coaches, managers and sport science directors. The theoretical framework for the present research is the Sports Policy factors leading to International Sporting Success ;;SPLISS’ model developed by De Bosscher, Bingham, Shibli, Van Bottenburg, and De Knop (2006) , the ;;state of the art’ of training environment’ proposed by Nikolai Böhlke and Maja Neuenschwander (2015), they provided the guide to explore the subject of study.Management models for sport organizations were slightly adapted to the context of the subject of this study and combined in a three-stage process. According to the findings, key resources were identified and analyzed to develop a strategy. The models are 1) Input-throughput-output conceptualization of a system proposed by Packianathan Chelladurai (2014), 2) Conditions of a Competitive Advantage from Robinson & Minikin (2012), and 3) The Links among resources, capabilities and competitive advantage in NOCs by Robinson & Minikin (2012). Based on the analysis, a clear strategy and policies are suggested to be implemented. The research purpose was reached. It determined that the High Performance Training Centers can become a key factor to achieve elite sport success through the implementation of the strategy ;;Prioritization of Regional Strategic Sports’ for what its internal resources, as well as regional actors, must complement strengths and work in synergy to develop selected sports related with the georeferencing (altitude/s) conditions of the region, which are actually the sports with the highest probabilities to achieve elite sport success.The study shows how sport management theories and models can be put together and adapted to the particular context of developing countries as it is the case with the ;;High Performance Training Center’ of Ecuador. The combination of those elements provides a basis from where sport managers can improve their sport organizations, specifically, elite sport facilities. Moreover, the application of theories and models are part of strategic management, also, in the case of developing countries, where resources to develop sport are limited, it is necessary to be strategic on understanding, analyzing and coordinating those resources in order to develop sport according to own capabilities. The results show the importance of learning from developed systems and models but also highlights the importance of finding an own way to develop sport systems according to the social, economic and cultural reality.
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