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Wichita Gymnastics Academy Promotes Heart Health
Personal stories of heart conditions inspire community focus on wellness
Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:50am
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A gymnastics academy's focus on heart health aims to inspire young athletes and the broader community to prioritize cardiovascular wellness.Wichita TodayA Wichita gymnastics academy, 316 Gymnastics Academy, is putting heart health at the forefront of its mission and programming. The annual Heart of a Champion Invitational meet was created after a gymnast and a coach shared their own struggles with heart conditions. One gymnast in particular, 16-year-old Gunner Friesen, underwent open-heart surgery at just 8 weeks old and has gone on to become a state and national all-around champion, using his story to inspire others facing similar health challenges.
Why it matters
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, underscoring the importance of early awareness and healthy habits. The gymnastics academy's focus on heart health aims to build community awareness and promote healthier lifestyles for young athletes and the broader Wichita community.
The details
At 316 Gymnastics Academy, the annual Heart of a Champion Invitational meet was created to raise awareness about heart health after a gymnast and a coach shared their personal experiences with heart conditions. Gunner Friesen, a 16-year-old gymnast, underwent open-heart surgery at just 8 weeks old but has gone on to become a state and national all-around champion. Friesen sees sharing his story as just as important as competing, as he aims to inspire others facing similar health challenges.
- Gunner Friesen underwent open-heart surgery at 8 weeks old.
- Friesen is now 16 years old and a state and national all-around champion.
The players
Gunner Friesen
A 16-year-old gymnast at 316 Gymnastics Academy who underwent open-heart surgery as an infant and has gone on to become a state and national all-around champion, using his story to inspire others facing similar health challenges.
Tristian Rodriguez
The owner and operator of 316 Gymnastics Academy, who said the goal of the gym's focus on heart health extends beyond competition to helping build awareness and promote healthier lifestyles for young athletes and the broader community.
What they’re saying
“It's the reason I'm able to do everything. Without gymnastics, I'd have no direction, I think.”
— Gunner Friesen, Gymnast
“I'm happy I get to share my story and be inspiring to everyone, especially those with congenital heart issues.”
— Gunner Friesen, Gymnast
“Whether they be athletes or not, just helping the next generation, building awareness. Everybody's doing our part to help the next generation of kids.”
— Tristian Rodriguez, Owner and Operator, 316 Gymnastics Academy
What’s next
The annual Heart of a Champion Invitational meet will continue to be a key event for the 316 Gymnastics Academy to raise awareness about heart health and inspire the next generation of athletes.
The takeaway
This story highlights how a local gymnastics academy is using personal experiences and a community-focused approach to promote heart health awareness and healthy lifestyles, addressing a critical public health issue that impacts people of all ages and backgrounds.
