University of Georgia Athletics
Catching Up With Gigi Marino
July 13, 2016 | Gymnastics
ATHENS, Ga. -- Rising junior Gigi Marino is coming off of a strong 2016 campaign in which she set her career highs on vault (9.9) and floor (9.95) and claimed four event titles.
The Scottsdale, Arizona native is now primed to step into a leading role on the club as she enters her third season of collegiate action.
Marino took time away from her summer training to discuss adding skills, going home and the bond between teammates.
Q: Where are you currently training?
Marino: I am currently training at my gym in Mesa, Arizona, Desert Devils. For the first half of the summer I was in Athens, but I came home for the month of July to see my family.
Q: Looking back at last season, what's the biggest lesson that you hope to carry into the upcoming year?
Marino: Looking back at last season, the biggest lesson I want to carry with me into the upcoming year would be the importance of relationships with my team, and keeping the strong foundation that we have all been working so hard to build and solidify.
Q: What's one thing that you will always remember about the 2016 team outside of competition?
Marino: One thing I will always remember about the 2016 team outside of competition is that we were all able to have a great time together. Even when we weren't in the gym we all wanted to hang out together and be around each other. That can be hard on some teams when you're constantly training together, but we all loved having that time together outside of training and competing.
Q: Have you been learning any new skills this summer?
Marino: This summer I have been working on a few new skills on bars and beam. I am changing my series on beam, and working on some new leaps. On bars I am working on a new transition from high to low bar called a pak salto.
Q: What were your main goals entering summer training? How are you progressing?
Marino: My main goals for summer training were to maintain my current level on vault and floor and to try some new skills on beam and bars to enhance my routines and make some new lineups in the upcoming season. The most important thing in the summer is to make sure my body gets some good rest and recovery so that I feel 110% going into fall training. Right now I feel great and I am in a good place physically and with my gymnastics.
Q: What's been most enjoyable for you this summer?
Marino: The best part about this summer is the amount of time I am able to be home in Arizona! Normally I would be taking classes in Athens, but some changes with my major meant that I didn't have any to take this summer. I live so far away from home and it can be hard to go back and forth, so this time with my family is very valuable to me.
Q: What are you most excited for when you return to Athens?
Marino: There is no one thing that I am excited for when I return back to Athens. How can I pick just one when it's all so great? I get to see my teammates, move into a new house, start school which I actually really enjoy, and then get going into fall training! Each year comes with its own new and exciting aspects and I'm ready to take on the 2016/2017 year.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a Gymdog?
Marino: My favorite thing about being a Gymdog is the family and community I am able to be a part of in Athens. There is nothing better than the support and love that is given to us from the entire bulldog nation.
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