Gymnasts secure multiple medals at Region 5 Competition

The Namibian Gymnastics Federation (NGF) recently sent a team of 24 gymnasts to participate in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics at the Region 5 Gymnastics Competition held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Other countries participating were South Africa, Lesotho and Angola. Having competed in the Pre-Junior, Junior and Senior categories, the team returned home last week.

It was accompanied by team manager and coach Chantelle Janse van Rensburg, as well as judge and coach Michelle Louwrens. Namibian officials Wiseta Snyman, Roumi Kostin and Leonie Botes also attended the event.

Artistic gymnastics

In the women’s artistic gymnastics team, the Pre-Junior gymnasts achieved an impressive second-place finish overall, earning silver medals.

Laura Jadmin Theron was ranked third overall, winning a bronze medal for her exceptional performance. She secured additional bronze medals in the Vault, Beam and Floor categories. Alyssa Giana Vivo, Norah Maël, Lejanelle Janse van Rensburg, Keza Lineekela Omwene and Leah Kruger all received silver medals for the team’s overall performance.

The Junior category gymnasts also placed second overall, earning silver medals.

Beata Ndayambekwa was awarded an overall bronze medal and also claimed a bronze in the Beam category. Celine Dennis earned a bronze medal for her excellent routine on Floor. Auguste Faith Tomas received a silver medal for overall performance.

In the Senior category, the team of Ngaitjitue Handura, Matifadza Pote and Otja Katjerungu was ranked third overall and awarded bronze medals.



Rhythmic gymnastics

The Pre-Junior team impressed, achieving second place overall and earning silver medals. Jubilee Hanstein won a silver medal for her Ribbon routine, while teammate Jessica Shituna earned a bronze in the same category. Jayd Pretorius received a bronze medal for her Hoop routine. Meggi Shiweda was ranked third overall, winning a bronze medal. She also claimed bronze medals in the Free Dance and Clubs routines.

Junior rhythmic gymnasts also impressed with a second-place finish, earning silver medals. Peya Kashaka earned an overall bronze medal for her outstanding performances, which included a gold medal in the Clubs routine and a bronze in the Ribbon routine.

Kayla Duchaine won a silver medal in the Hoop routine and bronze medals in both the Ball and Clubs routines. Christina Theron received a bronze medal for her Hoop routine, while Gabriella Mouton won a silver medal for the team’s overall performance.

In the Senior category, the rhythmic gymnasts also finished second overall. Emilia Ekandjo earned an overall bronze medal and won bronze medals in the Hoop, Ball and Ribbon routines.

Joy Kabooy received a silver medal for her Ball routine and a bronze for her Clubs routine. Gabriella Johannes and Angelina Namases were awarded silver medals for the team’s overall performance.



Team spirit

Speaking to Sport Wrap about the competition, team manager Chantelle Janse van Rensburg expressed delight and pride in the team’s performance, emphasising perseverance and determination despite unforeseen airport delays. “The competition taught our girls the true meaning of sportsmanship and the importance of pushing through challenges. A special thanks to the parents who provided lunch packs for the gymnasts when our flight was delayed, and to the competition organisers for accommodating us by adjusting the schedule to allow our gymnasts to train and rest. If there were a prize for team spirit, our girls would have won it!” she quipped.

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