Visions Gymnastics’ Bianca Mann and Muhammad Khaalid Mia excelled on the national stage recently. They participated in the 2016 Artistic Gymnastics National Championships held in KwaZulu-Natal during the first week of July.
Bianca once again walked away with the SA Female Artistic Championship title, showing why she is currently one of the best female gymnasts in the country. Competing in the Senior Olympic division, she also won a gold medal on bar and two silver medals on floor and beam, taking her medals tally to four.
“It feels amazing because I can see the results of my hard work. To win the best overall title twice in a row gives me confidence to work even harder and be a step closer to my goals,” she said.
Bianca, who is studying for a BCom Marketing and Management degree, has had to find a balance between gymnastics training and university. Her next goal is to participate in the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
“There is no better feeling than wearing your country’s badge and representing it on the international stage. It is a great honour and I will work hard and prepare well to continue excelling,” she said.
The national championships is the biggest tournament in which South African gymnasts can make a name for themselves. As a new senior gymnast, 17-year-old Muhammad took full advantage of this opportunity and left his peers in awe of his talent. He competed against gymnasts four to five years older than he, and won a gold medal on high bar as well as a silver medal on floor. He followed these medals up with a silver medal in the men’s senior overall title.
“This was my first nationals competing as a senior. Unfortunately I could not give it my all as I have just recovered from an injury, but the experience of competing against gymnasts older than I am is invaluable. As I grow taller, my body keepsl changing and that is something I need to get used to as well,” he said.
Muhammad has dreams of being one of the best gymnasts in the world, but for now he has to find a balance between being a matric pupil and a gymnast.
“I need more time in the gym. but being in matric is demanding. I am willing to work hard and get stronger,” he said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17NdEy_M6jw&feature=youtu.be
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