Caitlin Rooskrantz wins big at 2022 UJ Sports Awards

The winner of two University of Johannesburg (UJ) 2022 Sports Awards, Caitlin Rooskrantz, has enjoyed a successful academic year and sporting season at the university and abroad.

Recently, Rooskrantz was crowned the UJ Age Group Sportswoman and Student-Athlete of the Year. This year, the first-year UJ BCom marketing management student and gymnast competed in four major international competitions.

ALSO READ: If you believe in yourself, nothing can stop you, Caitlin Rooskrantz

She represented South Africa in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, (won a bronze medal) in July, and in the World Cup in Cairo, Egypt (won a gold medal) as well as winning a gold and bronze medal in the African Championships in Cairo (African Champion, first in uneven bars and third in beam).

In the Commonwealth Games, Rooskrantz became the first South African gymnast to win a bronze medal in uneven bars.

ALSO READ: A clean routine for Caitlin Rooskrantz

“At the UJ Sports Awards, it was a big moment to hear my name being called twice to the stage. I am proud of myself. This year was challenging and to know that I have come up with many successes, it was everything I could have asked for,” said Rooskrantz.

She is part of the Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre and started participating in gymnastics at the age of six when her parents picked up that she was incredibly flexible, agile and strong. Her parents were familiar with gymnastics because their friend’s daughter participated in the sport.

ALSO READ: Caitlin Rooskrantz appeals to public to help her club send her to the Olympics

“Gymnastics is a beautiful sport and not your typical sport. The elements that we learn, we do all these supernatural tricks in a safe environment and display that talent to the world. Not everyone can compete in this sport. I love the sport and that I get to travel the world because of my talent.”

She described getting a medal at the Commonwealth Games as one of the highest goals she had set at the beginning of the year. “It is always an honour to represent South Africa in international competitions but even more fulfilling to stand on the podium to receive a medal with millions of people watching worldwide.”

ALSO READ: Caitlin Rooskrantz is excited to realise her Olympic dream

A highlight in her career was competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games. “It was one of my biggest dreams from a tender age.”

After taking a break in 2017 due to an injury, she believed she was not done yet, “I still have many competitions that I will be participating in to make myself, family and country proud.”

ALSO READ: Caitlin Rooskrantz is excited to realise her Olympic dream