KT Tape has been announced as the official fitness tape supplier of USA Gymnastics ©Getty Images

USA Gymnastics have announced that KT Tape will become their official supplier of fitness tape for the United States national team.

The agreement will see KT Tape, a producer of kinesiology tape and sports medicine products, provide products to the team during national camps, premier competitions and to the coaches.

Medical staff, coaches and athletes will receive guidance from the company on how to use their products, as well as educating them on correct techniques when taping to help prevent injuries.

“KT Tape is an ideal partner for USA Gymnastics and will benefit athletes on all levels of our sport,” said Steve Penny, President of USA Gymnastics.

“We believe providing the fitness tape and KT educational opportunities at the USA Gymnastics National Congress and other sites, will help our coaches and athletes have a solid understanding of how to use this tape to their advantage.”

The elastic tape has been designed to help with muscle, ligament and tendon pain relief, with KT Tape claiming its lightweight support will not restrict athletes.

It is hoped the tape will enable the American gymnasts to be able to train for longer as they seek to build on their three gold, one silver and two bronze Olympics medals they won at London 2012 later this year in Rio de Janeiro. 

The tape will be used by athletes to help prevent injuries and provided additional support to muscles
The tape will be used by athletes to help prevent injuries and provided additional support to muscles ©Getty Images

“As Team USA gymnasts prepare for Rio, we want to provide them with the right equipment to ensure they are able to train and perform at the highest level,” said Greg Venner, chief executive of KT Health.

“Gymnasts need added support as they compete across many different disciplines, but they also need something that doesn’t hinder their mobility.

“KT Tape provides just that, enabling athletes to train, tumble and vault comfortably and pursue high scores and clean execution, regardless of minor injuries, aches and pains.”

KT Tape plan to support USA Gymnastics at key events in the build-up to Rio 2016, including the P&G Championships in June and the Olympic team trials in July.

USA Track and Field, USA Triathlon and USA Wrestling have all signed agreements with KT Tape, with the company also being the official kinesiology tape licensee of the United States Olympic Committee.