The balancing act with Tasmyn Bessit

It is not only chalk that helps Tamsyn Bessit have a tight grip on what she loves the most. It is also passion and the belief that hard work, coupled with consistency, can have her achieve it all within her chosen sport.

At four-years-old when she started gymnastics, not only did she have no idea what the sport was, but that in a few short years, she would represent the country in two world cups and compete in several other big competitions. These initial years would see that this little girl, none the wiser of what the future held for her, would eventually fall in love with the sport she found had the perfect combination of required aggressiveness and elegance.

“Gymnastics has moulded me into the woman that I am today. It has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance, which I’ve carried into many other parts of my life. I’ve also gained a family, people who have supported me both on and off the competition floor,” she said.

Of the many competitions she has taken part in, two main competitions come to mind as highlights – the National Championships, where she won her first senior national champ title, and the World University Games, where, she had the opportunity to represent the country on a world stage – one of the biggest she ever competed in, among the best gymnasts in the world.

The Wits student has competed in provincial and national championships, represented the country at the African Championships, and many invitational international competitions, such as the Olympic Hopes Cup, held in the Czech Republic. For Bessit, like many other sports, gymnastics can be costly and with it being a rather small sport in South Africa, it’s challenging to get funders who are interested in investing in our dreams. This is just one the challenges she finds within the sporting code. Coupled with this is the balancing act between her academics, and being a full-time sportswoman, which has not been the easiest. So occasionally her sport does come second place to academics. Injuries are of cause also a factor that have hindered her success.

With all these challenges none have hindered her ambition, knowing full well what her goals are. “My ultimate dream would be to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2028, as I’ve always dreamt of competing on the biggest sports stage known to exist. I would also love to represent my country at the World University Games again next year. I am also aiming to qualify for the Commonwealth team in 2026,” prophesied Bessit.

Bessit hopes it is her tenacious nature that speaks to those who aren’t necessarily talented. “Great things do indeed take time, hard work, consistency, and discipline. I hope that my actions speak volumes and that people see that I got to where I am by being intentional, not only sometimes, but every time I step foot into the gym or a competition.”

The gymnast, who is currently training for the National Championships, advises fellow athletes to never give up. Setting realistic goals is important, as these will guide you through your sports journey. When strong feelings of throwing in the towel come creeping in, she said to remember why it was you started in the first place.

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