Yingtong Gao

Yingtong Gao is a medical student at Western University and a passionate rugby player. She discovered her love for rugby in high school, quickly becoming a varsity athlete and dedicating her life to the sport. However, after suffering multiple shoulder injuries, she underwent reconstruction surgery in 2020, which not only challenged her physically but also took an emotional toll. Gao's journey of recovery highlighted the often-overlooked psychological aspects of rehabilitation, prompting her to advocate for a more holistic approach to injury recovery that includes mental health support.