Women’s Health, Sports & Performance Institute Launches as First-of-Its-Kind Organization for Female Athletes

January 29, 2026

For decades, female athletes have been treated based on male physiology. Now, the Women’s Health, Sports & Performance Institute (WHSP) is changing that. Launching today, WHSP is the first and only organization to unite leading-edge research, practical education, and world-class medical care under one roof to address the unique health needs of female athletes across all ages, sports, and abilities.

Co-founded by Dr. Kathryn Ackerman, an internationally recognized leader in female athlete health and founder of the international Female Athlete Conference, WHSP represents more than $50 million in investment from co-founders David and Jane Ott as well as Clara Wu Tsai. David Ott is a co-founder and Advisory Director of Viking Global Investors. Jane Ott serves on the Armory Foundation board and the University of Pennsylvania Athletics Board of Advisors. Both serve on the USA Track & Field Foundation board and have a lifetime of experience as athletes, parents, and coaches dealing with the issues WHSP will address. Clara Wu Tsai is Vice Chair of BSE Global and co-owner of the New York Liberty, Brooklyn Nets, and Barclays Center. PR Newswire