Coach takes post in Abu Dhabi

In a bittersweet moment for the Eagles Tumbling Club, reigning coach of the year Kayleigh Young’s historic tenure is ending.

Young will say her goodbyes after 13 years of service as a gymnast and coach at the end of September to assume coaching duties at the Jump Sports Academy Gymnastics in Abu Dhabi in early October.

“I’m so sad because the Eagles have been part of my life for so long,” said Young.

The 24-year-old said leaving the Eagles is bittersweet, adding she’s devastated but was thankful to the club for moulding her into the gymnast and coach she is.

“The club led me to this opportunity that was given to me. I doubt I would be moving to another country if I never found the Eagles. I am devastated.

“I’ve made so many friends here. I’m leaving them and the coaches who I have a good bond with. Most heartbreaking are the children I’ve invested so much in. It’s heartbreaking but also exciting.”

A dancer before the tumbling bug bit, she initially wanted to see how she would perform on her first day of training, but at the end of the session, her interest was piqued, and she told her mother it was what she wanted to do.

“I was immediately obsessed,” she said.

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She took to the sport like a natural and easily adapted because she grew up doing handstands and cartwheels at school competitions.

“When I started, I had that upper hand of doing cartwheels. So, it was easy to get into the sport, and I wanted to progress. Learning to do backflips was a thing for me. I always wanted to train.”

Despite her instant progress, her then-coach made her wait for two years before actively competing to get the foundation and fundamentals. It left her devastated because she wanted to test her abilities.

“It was hard, but I pushed myself to work hard. I understand it now, but back then, I was devastated because I wanted to compete and see what I could do,” Young said.

She was eventually tried and tested, but things didn’t go well because she finished last in her first competition. That was a big turning point for the Boksburg resident. From there, she improved massively.

Her greatest achievements include winning the 2013 sportswoman of the year, going to Camp Woodward in the USA in 2018, capturing the most dedicated gymnast trophy in 2022 and winning the coach of the year award last year.

She recently helped SAAerialnastix to 49 medals in an exhibition competition in Mauritius.

“We are losing our MVP,” said club manager Bruce Bennetts.

“She sleeps and eats the sport. She’s shown the same level of commitment and dedication. I’m excited to see her grow and take the next chapter in her life,” added Bennetts.

One of Young’s students, Chloe Gatlik, expressed sadness at seeing her leave.

“She taught me flip flaps, cartwheels and handstands. She is the best. I’m going to miss her.”

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