USA Swimming Names Support Staff For 2016 Rio Olympics

The roster of support staff that will care for the nearly 50 American swimmers attending the 2016 Rio Olympics contains several veterans of the world’s biggest sporting event. From physicians to physical therapists, these men and women will work behind the scenes in Rio to make sure Team USA is physically at its best next August.

Photo Courtesy: Keenan Robinson

One of the notable names on the list is Keenan Robinson, who is currently the head coach of high performance services for the Arizona State swim team. Robinson has been the lead dryland coach for Michael Phelps for about 10 years, dating back to their days at the University of Michigan. Robinson will serve on his second Olympic staff after working as head trainer in 2012.

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

10/09/08 Studio portrait of Stefanie Kerska

Photo Courtesy: Michigan Photography

Andy Kershaw, the head coach of the University of Miami swim team, will serve as Team USA’s head manager for the second year. He took on the role earlier this year at the world championships for his fifth stint as manager. Kershaw was also team manager at the 2012 Olympics. He’ll be assisted by Stefanie Kerska, the assistant women’s swim coach at the University of Michigan.

Jim Lynch, who has been a vital part of USA Swimming’s travel staff for a few years, will serve as team physician, with chiropractor Kevin Rindal also part of the support staff.

Massage therapy is a crucial part of athlete recovery at major competitions, and the Americans will have two on staff: Kathy Flippin and Cyrus Poitier both return to the Olympics after working in London in 2012.

The open water team staff will be rounded out with Laurel Liberty as manager and Ashley Stern as trainer.

The only pieces left in the coaching and support staff for the U.S. Olympic swim team are the assistant swim coaches. Those names will be announced at the conclusion of the Olympic Trials next summer, and is based largely on athlete performance at the meet.

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Rubin

8 years ago

Chiropractors are typically not MD’s (in this case Kevin Rindal).