Local gymnasts Kenneth Hart and Anchè Davidson, together with their coach Armand Koekemoer, were recognised for an outstanding year when they received top honours at the Gymnastics SA annual awards held at the National Training Centre in Centurion on July 25.

The awards celebrated athletes, coaches, judges, officials and volunteers for their contribution to the growth and success of gymnastics in South Africa over the past year.

Hart and Davidson were named the acrobatic gymnastics senior athletes of the year, while Koekemoer was honoured as coach of the year.

The accolades followed a dominant campaign at the acrobatic gymnastics national championships last October, where Hart and Davidson swept the balance, dynamic and combined events under Koekemoer’s guidance at Gymfinity Acrobatic Gymnastics and Trampoline Club in Norton’s Home Estates.

Their impressive performances have also earned them selection to represent South Africa at the 30th FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships in Italy next month.

They will be joined by Koekemoer, Adri Koekemoer and Acrobatic Gymnastics Judge of the Year Dmitry Demianenko as part of the national team travelling to the prestigious global event.

The championships will mark Davidson’s senior world championship debut after previously representing South Africa at junior level. Hart, meanwhile, will realise a long-held dream when he makes his first appearance on the world stage after 12 years in the sport.

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The awards also recognised excellence across other gymnastics disciplines.

Olympian Naveen Daries and Luke James were named the women’s and men’s artistic senior gymnasts of the year respectively, while 2014 African Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships gold medallist Aimee van Rooyen received the rhythmic gymnastics coach of the year award.

Administrators Chaka Croukamp and Marti Heri were presented with the president’s award, while Caron Henry, the project manager for this year’s African Rhythmic and Trampoline Gymnastics Championships, received the special recognition award.

Gymnastics SA president Adele Heine congratulated the winners, runners-up and nominees, saying their achievements continue to inspire the next generation of gymnasts.

“The 2026 winners represent eight disciplines across eight provinces, proof that gymnastics excellence in South Africa knows no boundaries,” said Heine.

“These award recipients stand as a reminder of what the sport is truly about: discipline, passion and the courage to keep reaching higher.

“From rising stars breaking into the national arena for the first time to stalwarts whose influence spans decades, the 2026 awards painted a vivid picture of a sport in motion, powered by talent from every corner of the country.”

Also Read: Davidson primed for success at acrobatic gymnastics worlds