SAGF nominated in three categories

Gsport, an online platform promoting women in sport, recently released their 60 finalists for the upcoming Momentum #gsport15 Awards.

The South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) is represented over three categories this year.

Caitlin Rooskrantz is a finalist in the Emerging Athlete of the Year category, former president and current VP of African Gymnastics Union Elizabeth Smith is a finalist in the Special Recognition Award category, while SAGF has been shortlisted in the Federation of the Year category.

The federation has worked tirelessly to shed the misconception that gymnastics is for the elite. While fighting societal ills that pose a challenge to the development of the game, SAGF continues to produce athletes who hold their own on global stages.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated,” said CEO Anne Vermaak.

“The nomination shows that our efforts as a federation do not go unnoticed. As disappointed as we were when the Olympic Games was postponed, we are happy to see that Caitlin is still on her way to becoming a household name within the South African sports realm.”

“My dream to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games hasn’t changed, only the timeline shifted,” said Rooskrantz, who was over the moon after making the shortlist.

Rooskrantz made history by becoming the first South African to win a gold medal for her bar routine at the World Challenge Cup and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

The mother of gymnastics in South Africa, Smith, has been involved in the sport for 52 years, initially in the capacity as coach, judge, technical official and then administrator.

She progressed up the ranks to position of CEO and president. During this time, SAGF grew from four disciplines to nine and was recognised by the International Gymnastics Federation.

Winners will be announced at the virtual Momentum #gsport15 Awards on August 31.