Ballito sisters keeping the rhythm

Ballito’s two, young rhythmic gymnastic star sisters, Joané and Elminda van der Merwe have returned home with a bag of medals after competing in the KZN Provincials and African Championships in Namibia.

Elminda (13) did particularly well, clinching gold at the KZN Provincials and three silver medals at the African Championships.

“I have been so excited to compete in these two competitions. My bag has been packed and ready for weeks! Rhythmic gymnastics has always been my passion. We practice four times a week, three to four hours at a time, but I never get tired of it,” said the bubbly Elminda, who also won the the nationals last year and the level 8 U13 Ocean Invitational.

She said the competition at the African Championships was tough, as some of the other teams such as Egypt, are full time gymnasts, are home schooled and even live together.

“My sister and I are also homeschooled, which we love. Our mom teaches us and we get to travel and see the world and of course do rhythmic gymnastics.”

Joané (15) said the key to rhythmic gymnastics is constant practice.

“It is all repetition. We do the same moves over and over, perfecting every little thing,” said Joané, who would like to be a journalist one day.

Their gymnastic skills were inherited from their mom, Dr Ankia van der Merwe, who recently started a rhythmic gymnastics club at Curro Mount Richmore.

“We were so thankful to Curro for giving us the space to teach rhythmic to the kids. There are so many valuable aspects to learning gymnastics at a young age. It teaches you co-ordination, endurance, patience and concentration. It is a good foundation for any sport,” said Van der Merwe.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram