Wushu athletes go big for BRICS
Wushu is a martial art that originated in China but has expanded globally.
South Africa’s National Wushu Team will be competing at the 2022 BRICS Games as this year’s games highlight the competitive sports of Wushu Kung-Fu, breakdancing and chess. This year’s games will be hosted by China.
The SA Wushu team representing the South African Wushu Foundation (SAWF) in the Games this year consists of seven Protea athletes who showcased their skills on Saturday, August 20 and Saturday, August 27.
The athletes, Rutendo Ngara, Daniela Chrysostomou, Khayelihle Jali, Alexander du Plessis, Martin Venski, Nerine du Plessis and Sinead Starley, will be competing virtually, with their routines being recorded under strict conditions and submitted to the international Wushu judges.
The team selection and management are overseen by the SAWF. Its president, Jurgens Lampbrecht, is the national team coach while the team will be managed by Tammy Davey.
The competition will see the athletes performing Taolu routines – a collection of non-contact, fast choreographed movements based on martial techniques, as well as Taijiquan routines which are slow, systematised movements aimed at health and well-being.
