POLOKWANE – PEPPS Polokwane rhythmic gymnast Moyagabo Moshokwa says it feels surreal to be named PEPPS Pride.

She is a level 8 gymnast who performed exceptionally in free dance, hoop and ball, but one routine will always have her heart.

“Free dance has always had my heart. Everything just seems to flow effortlessly and I cannot put into words how much fun it is to paint smiles onto the judges’ faces. Everything about my free dance just feels so natural to me,” she said.

An unexpected start in Gr 2

Her journey started unexpectedly in Gr 2 as an after-school activity while she waited for her parents to fetch her.

After watching her perform, her parents decided to invest and support her all the way.

Naturally flexible growing up, her talent caught the eye of her first coach, Lelanie Logtenberg from GymStars, who immediately put her in the rhythmic division.

“I feel as if I am exactly where I need to be. I’ve poured all my energy and heart into gymnastics and I am extremely grateful for the support I’ve received thus far,” Moyagabo said.

Balancing sport and academics

Balancing sport and academics is no small feat for the Gr 11 learner, who also serves on the media committee at PEPPS.

“I use my Saturdays and Sundays to do major studying and then do homework at home or at gymnastics before class,” she said.

One goal left

While this will be her last year competing as she heads to Gr 12 next year, she has one big goal left: a national gold medal.

Her advice to younger gymnasts is simple: “Go for it and do not look back. The sport has helped me be as resilient and disciplined as I am today. Even when I was feeling down, rhythmic gymnastics has always helped me bounce back to where I need to be,” she concluded.