Elite gymnasts savour European exposure

The Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Club says international exposure for its athletes is crucial for their development.

The club recently won two silver medals, a pair of bronzes and a trophy for third place overall at the 26th Happy Cup in Ghent, Belgium. The event attracted about 150 gymnasts, mainly from Europe and Canada.

Being part of the competition and competing against leading nations was a priceless experience, says Eleonora Karamfilova, the club’s owner and head coach.

“This is the second year that I took a group of Namibian girls to this big event. Last year Kayla Duchaine and Jayd Pretorius went, and this year I took a group of five girls in different categories,” Karamfilova said when reviewing the trip in an interview with The Namibian.

“It prepares them to see what the possibilities are and to build their dreams to possibly be part of the first rhythmic gymnasts from Namibia that might qualify for the Olympics.”

International platforms give Namibian athletes the chance to gauge their level and prepare for the African Championships and possibly bigger competitions.

Two of Elite’s young athletes, Kayla Duchaine and Gabriella Mouton, will be in action at the African Union Sport Council Region 5 Games in Harare, Zimbabwe between 8 and 13 December.

Duchaine, a 14-year-old rhythmic gymnast from St Paul’s College, bagged a silver at the Happy Cup in the hoop discipline, while Mouton (13), a Windhoek International School pupil, managed seventh overall at Hope 2 B-level.

Duchaine was the only Namibian to compete in the demanding Junior Olympic A-level and was delighted with her performance.

“I made all four apparatus finals, achieving silver in hoop, two fourth places in ball and ribbon and sixth in clubs, gaining the first medal Namibia has seen in junior from the Happy Cup,” Duchaine said.

“In the all-around competition I was ranked ninth. As it was my second time attending this competition, my improvement was impeccable and I am very grateful to God for his mercy in getting me this far.”

Also reaching the podium in Ghent was Pionierspark Primary School’s Jayd Pretorius (11), who claimed silver for the Mini 2 B-level clubs routine and a bronze in the free dance discipline.

“It is the joy and pride you feel when you have achieved something you have worked hard for, like getting an A for a test,” Pretorius said.

“It’s a feeling I can’t explain. When you compete always believe in yourself. Keep on challenging yourself to achieve your goals. If you don’t believe in yourself, you are not going to achieve anything. Train hard and be committed and dedicated to the sport you are doing,” she said.

Fellow 11-year-old Nina-Mari Nel from Windhoek Afrikaans Private School placed seventh overall in the Hope 2 B-level.