Gymnasts impress at championships
Rico Immelman from Krugersdorp was among the 24Seven Trampoline and Gymnastics team who excelled in Birmingham.
The 24Seven Trampoline and Gymnastics team made their way to Birmingham for the world championships and came back with great achievements.
Coach Luitha Roux explained they took part in two championships, first the seniors and then the juniors. For the seniors, Jean Claude Roux was the only Gauteng gymnast who made the Protea team and competed in both the single and team double mini-items.
“It was an absolute dream come true for Jean Claude,” said Luitha, who was chosen as the Protea team coach. She noted the team came in sixth in the world and it was the closest the team items came to the podium.
“Proud is not even the word,” she added.
The following week it was the juniors’ turn to impress.
The second competition was that of the World Age Group Championships in trampoline. Jean-Pierre Roux competed in two items in the 15–16 year category. He was the only gymnast in the country to compete in two items and also the only junior male gymnast who qualified for the Euro trampoline section. He competed in both Euro and double mini in which he did a triple summersault.
“What an achievement it is for the country and 24Seven,” added Luitha.
Rico Immelman from Krugersdorp had an injury just six weeks before the championships, but through hard work and rehabilitation, he was able to compete in the double mini section in the 15–16 year category.
“What an honour it was to have trained two of my own sons on the world stage and also represent our club at this level. Our motto for the new year is ‘We want more for 2024’!”
