At just 10 years old, Jessie McFarland has already reached the top of her acro sport category, bringing home the title of 2026 SA National Champion after an impressive competitive season.

Jessie competed in the level 6, ages 9 and 10 category at the SA nationals on June 27, where she achieved an outstanding 9.833/10 to take first place against 16 of the country’s top young athletes. Her journey to the national title began four years ago when she was just six years old.
Jessie was selected by her dance teacher, Natasha Ehlers, to compete in her first acro sport competition in 2022. “I love doing acro and enjoy the challenge of all the tricks you need to master in acro sport.”

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Her journey to the national title began at regionals on April 17, where she achieved 9.43/10. She followed this with a first-place finish in her age group at districts on June 6, scoring 9.671/10. At the inter-district competition, on June 16, Jessie represented Central Gauteng and placed second with an impressive 9.800/10. The result earned her Central Gauteng colours and secured her place at nationals, where only the top 10 scores qualified. “I was extremely happy and excited to compete at nationals.”

SA nationals brought a new level of pressure. Jessie was the eighth competitor in her section, with live scoring allowing competitors and spectators to see scores as they appeared. “It was super nerve-racking, as it’s all live scoring and then you have to wait until the final competitor has danced before you know where you’ve placed. I always try and have fun at competitions, even when they are scary ones like nationals.”

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Her preparation paid off as she won her category. “I really didn’t think I was going to win, and was just really hoping to get a podium placing.” She also finished fourth overall in level 6 across all ages, from eight to 18, in South Africa, an achievement she described simply as making her super proud.

For her coach, Ehlers said Jessie’s success is rooted in qualities that go beyond her technical ability. “What first stood out to me about Jessie, from a very young age, was her natural talent for dancing. She has always been a very captivating dancer on stage. Jessie has a beautiful artistry about her. When she performs, you can really feel her movements, her passion, and the emotion behind what she is doing.

“Jessie has never simply relied on her ability. She has put in the work, continued to learn, pushed herself, and remained committed to her journey.”

For Ehlers, Jessie’s national title represents much more than a trophy or a score. “As a teacher, there is nothing more rewarding than watching a dancer achieve a personal goal that they have worked so hard for.”

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