Two youngsters from the Rhythmic Gymnastics Gold Reef Club reached new heights in the sport after obtaining their Central Gauteng Colours.
Hailey Erasmus and Jelani du Toit both aged 11 achieved this remarkable feat after a dazzling performance at the National Championships at the University of Pretoria on October 3 last year.
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Speaking to the News, coach Aimee van Rooyen said this was an outstanding achievement considering the young girls are quite new to the sport.
“It was very impressive because both girls only started last year but they worked exceptionally hard and they made it through on a level four to the National Championships and received their Central Gauteng Colours,” she said.
Giving a brief explanation of the sport Van Rooyen said that the sport has different levels.
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“Similar to academic grades there are levels within the sport. At Rhythmic Gymnastics they start at ‘Beginner level’ which is usually children starting at the age of 4,” she said adding, “levels are not categorised by age group as it depends which age they start, what their skill level or development stage are at that moment. However, the highest level that you can achieve is Senior Olympics.”
About their achievement Jelani said, “The coaches here at the Gold Reef branch are the best and yes they are hard on you because they want you to do your absolute best, but you also have to push yourself.”
Hailey added that her friends are almost as excited as she is as they always ask when they can come watch her perform.
“My best friend came to watch me perform at the national competition so that was exciting.”
Van Rooyen concluded saying not everyone fit-in/ feel comfortable taking part in traditional school sports.
“They shouldn’t feel like they have to do traditional sports. There are other sports that may work for girls who have different personalities.”
Gymnastics is said to have been contested at every Summer Olympic Games since the birth of the modern Olympic movement at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens. It requires balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, dedication and endurance.
