Gail Weldon Award of Excellence
About Gail Weldon
Gail Weldon is remembered as a teacher, mentor, author, athletic trainer and friend to many. A pioneer in the advancement of women in the field of athletic training, Gail was the second woman to join the NATA and one of the first 10 women certified as an athletic trainer.
Gail was the first female athletic trainer hired by the U.S. Olympic Committee. She was selected for the Olympic Sports Medicine Staff in 1980 and served as the Director of Athletic Training and Physical Therapy for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Gail was selected again by the Committee as the Medical Director for the 1991 U.S. Olympic Festival.
Gail also served as athletic training coordinator for TAC sanctioned track and field events and traveled internationally with a number of U.S. teams. In 1980, she left her position as Head Women's Athletic Trainer at UCLA to venture out on her own and become the founder/owner of Women's TRACC (Training Room And Conditioning Center).
Award Description
The Gail Weldon Award of Excellence is a national honor that recognizes athletic trainers for their commitment to make significant contributions to mentoring, professional development, life balancing, leadership or to improve the health care of females within the profession.
Qualifications
- Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years certified membership in NATA.
- Contributions to mentoring, professional development, life balancing or leadership of females in the athletic training profession or the health care of females.
Previous Recipients
Recipient 2003 - Julie Knowles
Recipient 2002 - Sue Finkham
Recipient 2001 - Kathie S. Courtney