Daisy does North Coast proud

An inspirational young gymnast has been selected to represent KZN at the upcoming national champs.
Daisy Dixon (11) is a pupil at Crawford North Coast Preparatory and has been training at the Durban North Gymnastics Club for three and a half years.
Dixon recently competed at the Provincial Championships at Pinetown Gymnastics Club where she finished in second place and has been selected for the KZN Gymnastics team to participate in the Artistic National Championships in Klerksdorp in July.
Daisy’s mother Jackie gave the Courier some insight into her daughter’s history with the sport.
“Daisy was first introduced to gymnastics when we still lived in England where she attended a local club on a Saturday morning and instantly fell in love with the sport. She was keen to continue with it when we moved to South Africa five years ago, however at that time there was no local club in Ballito so she focussed on other sports instead,” said Jackie.
“However, just over three years ago, we were persuaded to let her try it, and the love of the sport
has continued since then.”
Daisy focuses on women’s artistic gymnastics and competes on four apparatus – floor, beam, bar and vault.
“She does not have a favourite, she loves different aspects of each apparatus,” her mother said.
Jackie said her daughter is like any other sportsman and has dreams of representing her country at the top level.
Which ever path she takes, Daisy’s parents will be happy.
“We are all very proud of Daisy’s achievements.
Gymnastics requires a huge amount of commitment, she currently trains around 17 hours a week, which has unfortunately been at the expense of many of the other sports that she previously participated in.”
Her commitment to the sport has rubbed off on her younger sisters.
“She has now passed the gymnastics bug on to her three younger sisters. Ruby, who will compete at Level 4 this year, and Poppy and Rosie who are entering their first competitive season at Level 1,” Jackie said.
Dixon was delighted with her confident performance in her first year in the elite level seven section and is excited about representing KZN and competing alongside the top South African gymnasts next month.