Triple gold Mann machine

Just when you thought Dominique Mann had scooped up more than enough success for one year the athlete went on to achieve three gold medals at SA Champs, a silver medal in pole vaulting in the European Circuit and 15th place out of 100 entrants at the Aerobic Gymnastics World Champs, all in just over one month.

Mann’s busy July started in Mexico for the World Champs, then travelling around Europe from Ireland, to Italy then to Sweden for the European Athletics circuit and back to SA for the Champs.

She entered the trio and mixed pairs categories in Mexico with partners Wilson Mafona, Dominique Mann and Happy X, achieving their goal of qualifying for the world games in 2017.

“We thought we would do better but is is very much an on the day thing. But the trio routine worked smoothly, beginners luck,” said Dominique.

This was the fourth time she has competed in the World Champs.

“For SA to place in a semi final in this competition is a big thing.”

She then competed for the first time in the European Circuit where she had entered the pole-vaulting class against some of the top athletes in the world.

“I was very new to this competition. I felt I had to throw myself in the deep end and learn how to swim rather than staying back for a year.”

Her first two legs of the circuit did not go well with Dominique knocking the pole in both, which caused her to doubt her ability.

“I thought what am I actually doing here really? Everyone else was flying over the poles and I just kept knocking. The classes would start out with me, I would knock three times and then have to sit on the side lines and watch.”

The Swedish leg was her last chance to prove that the newbie had what it takes.

“I had to pull myself together because it was becoming embarrassing. I was expecting the worst and had this ‘whatever’ attitude which seemed to work.”

She ended with a silver medal in hand.

Once back in SA Mann had to defend her national title.

“This competition is more pressuring than worlds, because it is so important that I keep my title.”

At SA champs the gymnasts do not have a multiple chances, with heats, semis and finals. There is just one chance to win.

Dominique entered the individual, mixed pairs and trio categories and she bagged gold for all three.

There is no messing with this girl – she is a machine.