Young rhythmic gymnast ready for World Championship challenge in Bulgaria
Ballito’s Riley Gouws is part of a five-strong team that won the national title to earn their shot against international competition in June.
Ballito rhythmic gymnast Riley Gouws has earned her South African colours and is now preparing to take on the world.
The 14-year-old was part of the five-strong KwaZulu-Natal team that won gold at the recent South African Trials in Johannesburg. That win qualified Riley – alongside Durban-based teammates Naluthando Mbelu, Abigail Smulders, Hanna Chengiah and Thandolwethu Mthiyane – for the Junior World Rhythmic Gymnastics Games in Sofia, Bulgaria taking place from June 18-22. There the quintet will compete against the world’s best age-group gymnasts.
Riley was initially an artistic gymnast but fell in love with the elegance and challenges of the rhythmic discipline. She hopes to inspire other youngsters to get involved in the sport.
She is a member of Ocean Gymnastics, one of two clubs represented in the team, alongside the Glenwood Gymnastics Club. The group is coached by Tayla Henry, Robyn Mueller and Kayleigh Koekemoer.
The girls are hard at work in training, spending up to 18 hours a week honing their craft in preparation for the biggest competition of their lives.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
