Gymnasts compete at Gauteng and SA championships

Nigel Gymnastics had a busy few weeks recently, with their artistic gymnasts competing at various events in Gauteng Provincial competitions and then at the National Gymnastics Championships.

At Gauteng, all seven competing gymnasts qualified for nationals, with three senior girls receiving their Gauteng Provincial colours.

• Liezl Maritz placed fourth on vault, first on beam and sixth overall.

• Joanika du Plessis placed sixth on beam.

The junior boys also qualified to represent Gauteng at nationals and raked in ribbons and medals in their divisions.

• Jan Botha placed sixth on vault, 10th on high bar and 10th overall.

• Reghardt Stoltz placed fifth on vault, 10th on parallel bars, eighth on high bar and eighth overall.

• Zander Maritz placed second on high bar and finished sixth overall.

• Arno Stadler had an impressive competition, placing second on vault, fourth on parallel bars, third on high bar, eighth on floor and second overall.

Nationals was held from September 24 to October 4 at the National Training Centre in Pretoria.

“This prestigious event sees thousands of men’s and women’s artistic gymnasts from every province competing for the highest accolades at this level of Gymnastics,” said Charlene Maritz of the club. “Our gymnasts from our small little club held their own.”

• Zander Maritz went on to place seventh on floor and fourth on high bar.

• Liezl Maritz had an impressive competition and placed fourth on beam and fourth overall out of 104 gymnasts in her section.

“We can’t wait to see what the future holds for all these rising stars,” said Maritz.