Bedfordview twins reach new heights in sport and academics
Phoenix and Diego Berardone, standout learners from Reddam House Bedfordview, are making waves in rhythmic gymnastics, motorsport, art and academics—earning national colours, international titles and top honours at school.
At just 11, siblings Phoenix and Diego Berardone are chasing big dreams in sport and life
Phoenix and Diego Berardone, dynamic 11-year-old siblings from Reddam House Bedfordview, are proving that age is no barrier to greatness. Excelling in very different sporting arenas, motorsport and rhythmic gymnastics, the duo continue to pursue their dreams with determination and heart.
Diego’s racing rise
In 2024, Diego claimed the South African Tillotson Championship title and proudly represented South Africa for the third time at the Nations Cup in Spain.
During the intense four-day event, Diego made it to the final grid. However, a dramatic mid-race collision with two Danish drivers flipped his kart. Remarkably, Diego somersaulted out of the seat mid-air and walked away with only bruises.
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“Go-karting isn’t just about speed. It’s strategy, precision, and knowing your lines. Racing rewards focus, not just how hard you push the pedal. Nothing is handed to you in motorsport; you have to earn it,” Diego explains.
Undeterred by the accident, Diego returned even more motivated. He has secured his spot in the 2025 South African Tillotson Championship and will represent South Africa in Spain for a fourth time this October.
He also competes nationally in the 2-stroke ROK League and recently earned an invitation to join an elite racing academy.
Reflecting on the crash in Spain, Diego shared, “The biggest lesson I learned was the power of prayer.
Before the final, my mom had a burning feeling and prayed over me and my kart like never before.
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“I keep a piece of the crashed kart in my room as a reminder that I wasn’t alone. Nothing beats standing on an international track with my country’s flag around my shoulders. I’ve won four South African championships, and I’m incredibly proud.”
Phoenix’s graceful journey
Meanwhile, Phoenix continues to shine in rhythmic gymnastics. In 2024, she was once again named Central Gauteng’s highest-achieving rhythmic gymnast in her age group — her third consecutive year receiving this honour.
She earned her third set of Junior Central Gauteng Colours and second set of Senior Colours during the season. Phoenix qualified for the SA Gym Games in Cape Town and was awarded her second set of Gauteng Provincial Colours.
Her 2025 season is already underway, with plans to compete at the SA Gym Games in KwaZulu-Natal this October and represent South Africa internationally in New York at the end of July.
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“Gymnastics has taught me a life rule: if you want to do better, work harder. Training is intense and requires hours of dedication.
But when you love something, it becomes part of you. Achievement can be messy, but sport at this level teaches you more than just competition. It teaches strength, resilience, and life,” Phoenix says.
Sibling support and versatility
In 2024, both Phoenix and Diego also competed in trampoline, finishing the season on the podium and receiving Central Gauteng Colours. While Diego continues in trampoline, Phoenix made the mature decision to step away due to knee strain, focusing instead on rhythmic and group gymnastics.
“Trying something so different was daunting, but I surprised myself. I’ve learned I can do more than I thought,” Diego reflected. Phoenix added,
“Stepping back from the trampoline took courage. Sometimes listening to your body is the strongest move you can make.”
Diego also qualified to represent Ekurhuleni at the D17 District Cross-Country Championships, while Phoenix was named Reddam House’s 2025 Athletics Junior Victrix Ludorum in January.
The twins even explored performance art together, performing a sport fitness duo dance choreographed by a beloved coach. Diego’s strength lifted and flipped Phoenix through the air, while she brought elegance and flexibility to the routine.
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“Dancing with Diego has been one of my favourite things. I’ve always wanted to do something like this with him. We laugh so much during training, we sometimes forget we’re working out,” said Phoenix.
Diego joked, “I never thought I’d dance in front of people, but it’s been fun. It’s different from racing or cross-country, but it also takes control and focus. Flipping Phoenix isn’t as easy as it looks!”
Artistic and academic achievements
Beyond sport, the twins earned multiple diplomas in 2024 and qualified for the National Young Artists Awards presented by the Eisteddfod Academy.
Their artwork placed first and second nationally in a youth design campaign for Toyota, earning them ambassador titles.
Despite their packed schedules, Phoenix and Diego prioritise academics. Their parents, Ricky and Crystal, say discipline in the classroom lays the foundation for success in all areas.
“No matter what sport they’re training for or what artwork they’re creating, Phoenix and Diego both understand that academics must come first,” their parents affirm.
At the end of 2024, both children were awarded Honours Blazers, Reddam House’s highest accolade for excellence in academics, sport, and culture.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of their school. Their teachers and coaches have nurtured not only their talents but also their confidence and well-being.
“For them, school is a second home, a place where they are truly seen, supported, and celebrated,” their parents said.
“There’s a fine line between guiding children and pressuring them. We’ve learnt that children thrive when they feel supported, not pushed. Our family praises effort over results because hard work will always take them further than natural ability ever could,” they added.
