Noordwyk’s Delightful aspires to represent South Africa in Olympics

Sensational gymnastic Delightful Shongwe from Noordwyk ready to take the Gauteng Tumbling Championship by storm in August. Noordwyk-based gymnastic sensation Delightful Shongwe is ready to impress at the Gauteng Tumbling Championship to be held next month in Centurion.

3 hours ago

Sphiwe Masilela 1 minute read

Delightful and his father, Mfanafuthi Shongwe, pose on the school premises. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“From a young age, my wife and I always tried to reprimand him from doing somersaults, because he would do it, even in the house, while we were sitting.”

These were the words of Mfanafuthi Shongwe, father of a Grade 8 learner from Glen Austin High School, Delightful (14).

Delightful Shongwe celebrates his trophy in acrobatic style.

Hailing from Noordwyk, Delightful recently received a certificate from Gauteng North Gymnastics after qualifying to represent the Gauteng North Gymnastics Association at the provincial gymnastics championships, to be held in Centurion in August, in the tumbling and the artistic categories.

Representing Centurion Gymnastic Club, Delightful says he started tumbling gymnastics in Grade 2 at Midrand Primary School.

Big stretch:: Gymnastoc teenage sensation Delightful Shongwe shows his flexibility and strength.

“I saw other people doing the sport, and through the trials I got good marks, and started participating. I wouldn’t say someone motivated me, but I fell in love with gymnastics. Since then, I have never looked back, and I worked extremely hard to be where I am. And I still do work hard.”

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From young age, Delightful Shongwe has been collecting medals in gymnastics.

He says he will continue to work in an attempt to qualify for the Gym Games, should he win the Gauteng championships. Last year, the highlight was when Delightful received the sportsmanship award at Midrand Primary. He also received the SA Cup last year, and this year, was awarded Gymnast of the Year more than once in his age group by Central Gauteng Gymnastics, and attended the National School Games in December 2023, where he scooped three gold medals in artistic gymnastics. He also won the gold medal in the Tumbling District on July 13, in Kempton Park.

Star in the making: Delightful Shongwe pose for a pictures with some of his accolades. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

The Shongwes’ said, as early as five years old, Delighful was a flexible child, and they have now decided to put him in a private club to enhance his skills.
“Surely, we are looking at seeing [him] do well in the sport. It will be a dream come true for us, as parents, to see him [compete] in the Olympics, and represent South Africa one day. He is very passionate about gymnastics. It will be a great pleasure [for] us to see him make a living out [of it].”