Angel tumbles ahead of South African Gym Games dream
Angel Mulaudzi (20) recently obtained her Limpopo colours in gymnastics, but needs your help to take part in the national competition.
LIMPOPO – American wrestler Dan Gable said: “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”
With these words in mind, 20-year-old Angel Mulaudzi set out to achieve her goals despite the challenges she faces.
Angel is part of the Louis Trichardt Gymnastics Club and obtained her Limpopo colours on August 30.
“I spent a lot of time watching gymnastics. I fell in love with the sport and gained interest to join gymnastics. As I continued doing the sport, I succeeded in it and fell more in love with it to a point where I ended up realising that it’s no longer a sport but rather my passion.”
The B.Sc. sport and exercise science student at the University of Venda was selected to be in the provincial gymnastic team who will compete at the South African Gym Games, scheduled for October.
She does, however, need money to bring her closer to her dream of competing at the competition.
“It was by God’s grace, as well as my consistency and dedication to training that I was chosen to go to the gym games. It was the first time I qualified to go to the games and I hope that I will be able to participate,” she explained.
Angel said gymnastics teaches one to work hard, be disciplined and stay focused. “Gymnastics also helps with social interactions, knowing and accepting gymnasts from different backgrounds. Lastly, gymnastics is fun.”
The most challenging part of gymnastics for Angel is finances. “I depend on my single mother who works at a spaza shop. What she can afford is at least try to put food on the table. Gymnastics is an expensive sport and I need to pay for everything myself. Monthly fees for training, entry competition fees, attire and transport cost to go to training are very high.”
Angel said consistency and putting in work is they key to be successful in gymnastics. “My advice would be not to let anything stop you from doing what you love. Keep working hard and don’t give up no matter how many challenges you face. The advice I would have liked to have received when I started out would be that it does not matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.”
To help her reach her dream, readers can contact the club on 082 566 3493.
