Local gymnasts are tops at nationals
BERARIO – Local gymnasts earn a score that holds promise to qualify them for the African Championships in Egypt in January.
Gold Reef Rhythmic Gymnastics had a stellar haul of 42 medals at the Rhythmic Gymnastics Nationals, and its senior team earned a score that holds promise to qualify for the African Championships next year.
The gymnastics club based in Berario had worked on its routines for months leading up to the nationals in Durban.
“We knew the humidity would be a challenge so we trained with the doors closed in the hall and it was so hot,” said coach, Julene van Rooyen.
“The girls also trained with weights on their arms to make their handling better.”
Van Rooyen said her gymnasts showed their experience, preparation and mental strength in the performance of their routines, which included hoop, ribbon, free dance, clubs and even routines with multiple apparatus.
Kerryn Cowper, one of the senior gymnasts, said of nationals, “The competition was really nice, the hall and facilities were set out nicely and we all had an enjoyable competition.”
She added that on the second day of the competition the schedules were changed and the group did not have much time to run through their routines.
“We had to prepare ourselves and calm ourselves down but we did really well in the end and it was a successful completion.”
Van Rooyen said getting to the Rhythmic Gymnastics African Championships was a ‘huge project’ for the club.
“We have never had a senior team there,” she said. “If we go, we will perform the same routines that we have been performing the whole year and at nationals.”
The African Championships will be held in Egypt in January next year.
Details: Gold Reef Rhythmic Gymnastics 082 227 2798.
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