Young local gymnast Charlotte Hide was recently awarded first place for her ball routine and second in freestyle, and was named overall rhythmic gymnast in her club competition.

The ten-year-old who is a learner at The King’s School West Rand (TKSWR) has been attending rhythmic dancing classes since she was in Grade 1.

According to her coach Lauren Perry Smit, Charlotte practises twice a week for an hour and a half at the Summit Gymnastics Club in Krugersdorp.

A huge congratulations to Charlotte Hide from The King’s School West Rand family; she did extremely well at her gymnastics competition,” said TKSWR Admissions Secretary, Michelle Dos Ramos.

Charlotte said she would like to become a rhythmic coach like her coach Lauren one day, and would continue to work hard to ensure that her dream became a reality.

Last year Charlotte took part in the Central Gauteng Gymnastics Association (CGGA) rhythmic gymnastics and was awarded her CGGA junior half colours.

She also took part in the CGGA Artistic Gymnastics which involves four apparatus: beam, bar, vault and floor, as well as CGGA tumbling which involves just floor routines. She was awarded her CGGA junior half colours in both.

When asked to share advice to young girls like her who would like to take gymnastics as an extra-mural activity, Charlotte encouraged her peers and mentioned the importance of discipline.

Gymnastics as a sport teaches the child how to set goals, discipline and respect as well as how to manage their time well. It improves self-esteem, builds confidence, improves flexibility and coordination, and develops strength and power,” said coach Lauren.