The decision was announced by Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, who helped show a delegation from USA Swimming around the city's facilities, including at Miami and Southport. 

"To have the USA swimming team training at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is truly exciting news for the Gold Coast," said Clarke.

"It supports what residents already know, which is that we have world-class sporting facilities that are recognised beyond our shores.

"What won them over, and this is in their words, was our beautiful weather, happy people and great pools.

"This is certainly a glowing endorsement of our sporting facilities, friendly community and a perfect climate."

The camp will be held shortly after the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Commission have visited the Gold Coast to inspect their facilities.

The Commission, headed by Scotland's Louise Martin, is due to visit there between June 20 and 23 before heading to the Gold Coast's rivals Hambantota.

But the decison of the US to base themselves in Australia between July 12 and 20 before heading for China gives the Gold Coast the opportunity to keep their bid in the spotlight.

Gold Coast 2018 chairman Mark Stockwell said the US team was one of the strongest swimming squads in the world.

"To have the US team train here represents a great opportunity and says so much about the destination," said Stockwell, who is married to Tracy Caulkins, one of America's greatest ever swimmers who won three gold medals at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. 

"We will provide them with the ultimate in conditions and services to maximise their training efforts."

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