Three talented gymnasts from Golden Lions Gymnastics Club in Newlands are preparing to represent South Africa on one of the biggest stages in the sport, after earning national colours ahead of the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships in Pesaro, Italy, this September.

Crisabellé Truter, Decota Phillips, and Giselle Daniels will wear the green and gold after years of commitment, sacrifice, and perseverance, each following a different journey that has led to the same destination – representing their country against the world’s best.

Read more: Newlands gymnast earns Junior South African colours and his first Gauteng gold

For Truter, who has trained at Golden Lions for 13 years after beginning gymnastics at just two-and-a-half years old, the selection was a proud moment. Representing South Africa, she said, is an opportunity to showcase local talent on the international stage.
The road has not been without challenges. Balancing school, training, and a social life required discipline, while daily training and giving up other school sports became necessary sacrifices. Truter also revealed she competes with scoliosis, refusing to let the condition stand in the way of her ambitions.

Phillips described receiving her South African colours as both shocking and rewarding. “I was honestly so shocked. It was such a special moment because I knew how much hard work, dedication, and sacrifice had gone into getting to that point.”

She said representing South Africa is one of the greatest honours of her sporting career. Like many elite athletes, Phillips has had to sacrifice countless hours with family and friends to pursue excellence, while learning to push through setbacks. “The biggest challenge has been pushing through the difficult days and learning not to give up when things don’t go the way I want them to.”

Also read: Olympic gymnast graduates from UJ

Daniels, meanwhile, will compete internationally for South Africa for a second consecutive time, after again earning national colours. “I was so excited and proud. At first, I couldn’t believe it, and I even got a bit emotional because it was something I had worked towards for a very long time.”

Inspired by Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles, Daniels began gymnastics at seven years old, before discovering her passion for acrobatic gymnastics. She credits her mother, family, and coach Claudia Coreejes for helping shape her journey, maintaining that consistent training and mental preparation remain her priorities heading into Italy.

Although each athlete’s journey has been unique, all three share the same message for aspiring gymnasts: Perseverance pays off. As they prepare to face more than 40 international competitors in Italy, the three Golden Lions gymnasts will not only represent their club and province; they carry South Africa’s hopes onto the world stage, hoping years of dedication will translate into success beneath the bright lights of international competition.

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