Olympic swimmer Katie Hoff was announced Thursday as the National Blood Clot Alliance’s Sports and Wellness Institute’s first ambassador.
Hoff is an eight-time world champion and three-time Olympic medalist. She set American record in four events, still holds the 400 individual medley mark and was a world record holder. Her career ended in 2015 after she was diagnosed with potentially life-threatening blood clots in her lungs in 2014.
“I am both grateful and honored to serve as the first ambassador to the NBCA Sports & Wellness Institute,” Hoff said in a press release. “I know how frightening a blood clot diagnosis can be, and I look forward to helping to increase awareness to potentially save lives, and to help improve the lives of people who, like me, have experienced blood clots.”
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The NBCA established its Sports and Wellness Institute to help people diagnosed with blood clots understand and manage the condition, especially through lifestyle choices like fitness and exercise. Adding Hoff as an ambassador is part of the NBCA’s plan to expand resources and programs from its Sports and Wellness Institute.
“We established the NBCA Sports & Wellness Institute to meet the needs of people who are at risk for serious blood clots, or who have been diagnosed with blood clots, so that they can access the many benefits provided by exercise and sports in maintaining or regaining their health,” said Charles Sano, a member of NBCA’s Board of Directors, Chair of its Sports and Wellness Institute and a survivor of a blood clot in his lung. “Many people who experience blood clots – both professional athletes and weekend warriors alike – want to resume athletic activity after a blood clot diagnosis, and we know that Katie Hoff can lend her expertise and inspirational insights to help them achieve their goals.”
“The disappointment I experienced was overshadowed only by the fear and confusion I felt when I learned that I had blood clots in my lungs,” Hoff said. “I was young, in peak condition as an Olympic athlete and, overnight, everything changed. I understand the dramatic impact blood clots can have on people’s lives, including their mental health, and I want to offer my insights as an athlete to help support their recovery efforts. As a woman, I also am committed to raising awareness about the different blood clot risks women face at different points in their life.”