August 01, 2019
Kansas City, Kan. — For the first time since 1987, the U.S. Gymnastics Championships will be held in Kansas City, Missouri. The 4-day championships, which begin August 8 at Sprint Center, showcase some of the top male and female gymnasts in the country. The University of Kansas Health System is providing on-site care for the elite athletes. The team includes 18 athletic trainers who will offer preventative services, evaluations, therapeutic interventions, rehabilitation of previous injuries and emergency care as needed. Doug Wiesner, ATC, and program director for the health system's youth sports medicine program, says this is an exciting opportunity to care for some of the best athletes in the United States.
“This event allows us to extend our expertise in sports medicine and oversee the safety of these highly skilled athletes. They are the best of the best and their healthcare should be the same,” Wiesner says.
We have experience in caring for all types of athletes, from youth and high school to the Chiefs and the Royals. We've provided medical care for the Big 12 Basketball Tournament, wrestling, figure skating and many other high-profile events. We're thrilled to offer comprehensive care for the USA Gymnastics team. – David Smith, MD
Sports Medicine and Performance Center; medical director, U.S. Gymnastics Championships
Safety is the top priority
In addition to athletic trainers, physicians and an on-call orthopedic surgeon will also be available. David Smith, MD, and medical director for the event, says it’s no surprise The University of Kansas Health System was chosen to care for the athletes.
“We have experience in caring for all types of athletes, from youth and high school to the Chiefs and the Royals. We’ve provided medical care for the Big 12 Basketball Tournament, wrestling, figure skating and many other high-profile events. We’re thrilled to offer comprehensive care for the USA Gymnastics team,” he says.
To prepare for the event, the sports medicine team is collaborating with both Sprint Center and the USA Gymnastics team to ensure that every athlete feels comfortable and safe during the championships.
“Gymnastics is one of the most popular sports in the country, and it’s also one of the most dangerous,” Dr. Smith says. “There’s potential for injury of all forms. That’s why we’re working with the USA Gymnastics team and Sprint Center to ensure that everyone is medically ready. The health and safety of the gymnasts is our top priority.”