Kim Kranz, who worked as Director of Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery Services and Neurosurgery for 5 years at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Virginia, USA has been named USA Gymnastics Vice president of Athlete Health and Wellness.

Kranz’ new role will see her managing strategy and implementation of athlete health and wellness programs across the organisation. USA Gymnastics CEO, Li Li Leung expressed the organizations’ ambitions to expand their focus and services from sports medicine centred practices to educating and supporting athletes following retirement from and life outside of sport. Leung emphasises shifting the focus from supporting athletes with their physical development to developing the athlete as a whole, as a person.

In greater detail, Kim’s responsibilities include creating and integrating health and wellness strategies that aim to develop the athlete holistically. Creating educational resources that cover a range of topics related to sport and development including: sleep, mindfulness, nutrition and finding a athlete/life balance.

In her previous role as Director of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery Services and Neurosurgery, Kranz advocated for athlete wellness with a range of educational courses offered to youth. Additionally, Kranz’ extensive experience in sports medicine and physical therapy has seen her advance her career through a variety of roles such as a physical therapist for the LPGA Tour professional golfers.

With this change we hope to see greater attention placed on athletes’ mental development and lifestyle management. We look forward to observing where USA Gymnastics go next and how they continue to refine their programs to benefit athlete health and wellness.

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