We are not yet eight months into 2026, and the year already has reinforced why this is such an important moment for gymnastics. With the National Congress and Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships just ahead, I find myself reflecting on my first months at USA Gymnastics – and, more importantly, on what we can build together.

What drew me to USA Gymnastics was a collective ambition: To become the most trusted and forward-looking national governing body in the world, and to use the power of gymnastics to build stronger athletes, stronger people, and stronger communities. With that ambition in mind, I have tried to immerse myself in the places where gymnastics happens and listen to the people who make it possible.

I have spent much of 2026 on the road – from Winter Cup, American Cup, and U.S. Classic to Rhythmic Challenge, Stars & Stripes, and Gym Champs; from Regional Congress and Development Program Nationals to local invitationals, college meets, national team camp, and gym visits. I have met with sponsors and donors, watched coaches at work, sat with judges, spoken with club owners and parents, and listened to athletes across disciplines and levels. Your knowledge and passion is both incredibly informative and truly inspiring.

Everything we learn from this community helps inform the pursuit of our mission: To build a culture of excellence where all members of the community can thrive in sport and in life.

When I think about how we deliver that mission, I return to three connected elements: inspiration, execution, and growth.

We want to inspire a child who sees gymnastics to imagine becoming an athlete. We want a general sports fan to become a passionate gymnastics fan. We want people already participating in the sport to see greater value in becoming members of USA Gymnastics. And we want companies, philanthropists, and community leaders to see gymnastics as a meaningful place to invest.

Inspiration alone, however, will not move the sport forward. USA Gymnastics must turn that potential into action, and that requires disciplined execution.

As a team, we are advancing a range of priorities across the organization. A few examples include:

  • Investing in you – the community that makes gymnastics possible. We are building on our established communication, education, and member services while expanding resources for clubs, coaches, judges, athletes, and families across every level and discipline.
  • Elevating our events and the visibility of the sport. We are raising the standard for promotion, presentation, and storytelling to create better experiences and attract more fans, partners, and resources.
  • Bringing the National Training & Wellness Center to life. We are advancing a national home for gymnastics that strengthens competitive excellence, athlete health and wellness, coach education, innovation, and access to expertise across the community.
  • Growing participation and connection to our sport. By identifying opportunities to bring more people into gymnastics, connect them with clubs, we will create stronger pathways into lasting participation and membership.

Growth is not the mission by itself. Its purpose is to create more resources to deliver the mission. The ultimate question is, what will that growth enable us to do?

It will allow us to better support clubs, the foundation of our membership. It will strengthen coach education and professional development. It will help us recruit, educate, and retain judges, without whom competition cannot operate. It will improve the services we provide to members, create stronger events, support every discipline, and provide athletes and coaches with the environments and resources they need to pursue excellence.

Thanks to you, the year to date has been fast-paced, informative and inspiring. Thank you for everything you do for gymnastics, and for the opportunity to serve alongside you. I will continue to be present, to listen, and to learn from the expertise across this community. I ask you to please keep sharing your expertise and staying open to new possibilities – I truly believe the possibilities for our sport are limitless.

With gratitude,

Kyle Albrecht
President & CEO