GINA PONGETTI
Gina Pongetti is a medical professional and one of the world’s foremost experts on athlete health and wellness. She is the owner of MedGym, LLC and Achieve Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute in the Chicago area. A former gymnast and Ironman triathlete, Gina is an effective communicator who provides clear and concise explanations of complex topics.
Are Parents stressing their kids out?
Many of today’s parents have put their children at the center of their attention, making sure they are entertained and engaged every waking moment. For many families, this means participating in youth sports–it’s not unusual for a kid to compete on several teams in different sports at the same time. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see serious sports injuries in children. How can parents help prevent these injuries? What should they look for? How can parents tell if their kids are getting burned out? Does this “push” or “encouragement” from parents put too much pressure on growing bodies?
I Quit. Now What?
Michael Jordan did it three times. So did Brett Farve. Swimmers Michael Phelps and Dara Torres also came out of retirement to compete–and win more Olympic medals. Why is it so tough for some athletes to call it quits? And why do some athletes seem completely lost after they retire? Can some athletes be “addicted” to competition? What happens to an athlete’s body chemistry when they stop training and competing? How does this sudden change impact an athlete’s mental health?
Over the years, sports governing bodies have been criticized for not preparing their athletes for a successful, well-rounded and balanced life after they stop competing. Has this changed? Or are today’s retired athletes lost?
And athletes don’t need to compete at a world-class level to be impacted by stopping competitive sports. High school athletes who go to college and are no longer training and competing as they once did can also be negatively impacted by this sudden change. What can parents do to help their kids adjust?
What does it take to be World-Class?
Today’s elite athletes turn in some spectacular performances that showcase jaw-dropping skills and tons of talent, but talent can only take an athlete so far. How do these athletes get here? What are the other components that contribute to world-class success?
How Old is Too Old?
More athletes than ever in several sports are competing in multiple Olympic Games, maintaining their elite training against younger competitors. How are they able to accomplish this? What are the advantages of continuing through two or even three Olympic cycles? On the contrary, how does youth give one an advantage or disadvantage?
Trends in Injuries
Major injuries at the 2024 Gymnastics Olympic Trials, (like Achilles tendon ruptures), ended the Olympic dreams of several top athletes who were favored to make the Olympic Team. Why is this type of injury happening? Gymnastics is a dangerous sport at the elite level so when your teammates suffer severe injuries at a competition like the Olympic Trials, what impact does this have on an athlete’s stress and anxiety level?
Healthier and Happier
Many NGBs (National Governing Bodies) of countries have gone through major overhauls regarding balancing the priority of safety – mental and physical, wellness – and athlete autonomy. In June 2024, U.S. gymnasts (and coaches) were offered the comfort of therapy dogs at the Olympic Trials to reduce stress. Will we see athletes who are overall healthier coming into major competitions? ? Will they be able to tolerate the weeks of intense preparation, stress and competition better due to having a healthier body and mind? How do we scientifically measure and test this? Hint: there are amazing ways and some are even sport-specific!
Trends in Athletic Performance
SPEAKING UP
Today’s Olympians have a greater say in their training, health and wellness than ever before. Over the past few years, athletes have used their voices to advocate for themselves. How has the coach-athlete relationship changed? Who is calling the shots? Has the pendulum swung the other way to favor athletes? How are coaches and sports administrators navigating these changes?
INJURIES EXPLAINED
Gina is one of the most respected physical therapists and sports medicine professionals with an international client list. She is a useful resource when explaining an injury, risk of competing, and the course of recovery. Examples: Injury diagnosis, length of time for an elite athlete in their specific sport to return safely at the highest level, how an injury may affect performance, activities and commitment that went into the return process, layman’s explanation for injuries/surgeries an athlete may have had or needs to have.
CODE BREAKER
Need help telling an Amânar from a Tsukahara? Gina can break down and explain gymnastics jargon. She can speak about why certain skills get named for posterity’s sake (e.g. The Biles) and become part of the rule book.
Skill performances are pushing limits
Gymnastics is judged on a two-part scoring system: the D score (difficulty value) and the E score (execution, or performance). The mix is what elevates the score to medal-winning numbers. If someone tries harder skills but executes them poorly, the risk-reward continuum is challenged.
How can sports and their governing associations ensure the thrill while keeping athlete safety in line? How has the elevated difficulty factor affected the development of sport and audience appreciation?
GENDER, HORMONES AND PERFORMANCE
In a time of record-breaking performances for women, Gina can speak to myriad factors: age, post-childbirth, hormone changes as women age, unique issues between women and men.