West Rand Gymnastics coach Luitha Roux (53) is currently running for the Women of the Year title at The gsport Awards, a nomination she says is worth its weight in gold.

Celebrating its 21st edition this year, The gsport Awards is Africa’s longest-running women’s sport recognition platform, committed to spotlighting game changers both on and off the field.

The Women of the Year category recognises a formidable woman who contributes significantly to the growth of sport in South Africa and leads the way in breaking boundaries and opening doors for other women.

A career spanning four decades

Roux is leading gymnastics in South Africa on and off the mat and has built a strong career spanning over 40 years.

She is a triple Springbok gymnast, three-time world champion, Protea coach, mentor, administrator and leader, who has spent decades building and advancing gymnastics in South Africa.

From representing Team South Africa at multiple world championships to leading the Region 5 Trampoline Team in Namibia, her impact continues to shine.

Most recently, her athletes secured four medals at the 2026 African Trampoline Championships, including a team gold and two silver medals. She is also the vice-chairperson for the Central Gauteng district and is Gauteng chairperson for acrobatics.

“I started gymnastics when I was six years old. I was extremely flexible and was born with the talent. From day one, my coaches were amazed, and three years later, at the age of nine, I attended my first World Championships. From there it was World Championships year after year,” she told the Roodepoort Record.

Her passion for the sport quickly evolved into coaching. At just 13 years old, she began assisting her coach, and by the age of 16 she was coaching independently and running her own club.

“I excelled in acrobatic gymnastics and every discipline within it. My coach, who is still my biggest supporter today, took me to every competition and ensured that I excelled.”

Later in her career, Roux moved to the United States, where she led a cheerleading and coaching club, further expanding her experience in the sport.

In 2013, she opened 24Seven Gymnastics and Trampoline, which caters to aspiring gymnasts across the West Rand.
“Within four years of opening 24Seven, we attended our first World Championships, and we’ve made sure to participate every year since.”

Representing gymnastics on a national stage

Roux explained that when she heard she was nominated for these prestigious awards, she embraced the opportunity with pride.

“I’m very proud that I was nominated and could represent gymnastics on such a big platform. Out of the 60 finalists, I’m the only one representing the sport,” she said.

For Roux, the nomination is about far more than winning an award.

“It’s not about the award or gaining something. It’s about exposing the sport, building networks and ensuring gymnastics is accessible to everyone.”

She believes gymnastics forms the foundation of many other sporting codes and activities.

“Gymnastics is the basis of every single sport and dance discipline. If we can get every young person to have access to gymnastics in some way, I would consider that a win.”

Roux is also passionate about the positive impact the sport can have on young people.

“It plays a crucial role in keeping children off the streets. It promotes positivity and encourages a healthy body and a healthy mind.”

How to vote

The winners will be announced on August 8, with Roux saying she is looking forward to networking and meeting other inspiring women in sport.

Public voting closes on Friday, July 10.

Those wishing to support Roux can cast their vote on The gsport Awards website.