Swinging, handstands, and high jumps were the order of the morning at Wanderers Club’s gymnastic studio on March 7.

Read more: Wanderers Clubs gymnast secured 39th spot in the Philippines men’s junior world championships

12-year-old Gabriella Da Silva, who recently achieved her first European medal in Serbia, said the bronze medal win has motivated her to do her best. “I only competed on one apparatus, due to a knee injury, but I placed third. My goal was to make it to the finals, which made me happy.”

Gabriella looks forward to participating in the nationals in August this year. The 12-year-old explained that the holder of 30 World Championship medals, Simone Biles, inspired her decision to do the sport. “I joined Wanderers gymnastics at the age of four, and I’ve enjoyed the growth I’ve made in the sport thus far.”

Kadin Chester, another gymnast from Wanderers Club who secured 39th in the Philippines, said he was hard at work preparing for trials at the beginning of next year, which is the first qualification for the Olympics. The 18-year-old explained that the criteria to qualify for the Olympics include being the best in your continent, or being placed second or third.

Also read: St Teresa’s Senior Primary School gymnast makes her school proud

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Wanderers Club gymnast Gabriella Da Silva practices her swinging and Kadin Chester practices swinging with his waist. Video: Asanda Matlhare #Rosebank #Gymnast ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“So, if you place number one, you are guaranteed to qualify for the Olympics, but number two and three qualify for the world championships, and the world championships are another qualifying round for the Olympics.”

He added that his training this year will include upgrading his normal routines to more difficult ones to prepare himself should he qualify for the Olympics.

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