WATCH: Gymnasts prepare for the Commonwealth Games
ALLEN'S NEK – Courtney Noel and Caitlin Rooskrantz hope to test their skills against international gymnasts in October.
Two local gymnasts will fly South Africa’s flag high at the Junior Commonwealth Games in Namibia.
Allen’s Nek resident, Courtney Noel (15), and Caitlin Rooskrantz (15) from Fairland will compete at the tournament from 8–16 October, and both relish the challenge and chance to compare their abilities with other young gymnasts from around the world.
Both will compete on various apparatus, although according to coach Ilse Roets-Pelser, Rooskrantz is very strong on the bar and Noel is more of an all-rounder on the equipment.
“I am very excited to have this experience and see where other countries are at and where we are in terms of skills,” said Rooskrantz. Noel chipped in that it will be great to find out where they can improve their skills. The pair train at the Johannesburg Gymnastic Centre in Newlands, which will also send three more gymnasts to the competition.
“Our chances are very good. We will be competing against strong countries and it is all about seeing how we do against top gymnasts,” said Roets-Pelser, who takes a great deal of experience with her. She has been coaching the South Africa’s national gymnastics teams for six world championships and three Commonwealth Games, including the Glasgow XX Commonwealth Games (The 2014 Commonwealth Games).
“We are hoping for at least one final per apparatus and a top three finish in the team event.”
Fellow coach, Glen Hlongwane, has worked closely with the two girls. “We are proud to see them go to Namibia,” he said.
“Our main goal is that they finish clean, without faulting and, hopefully, we can win medals too.”
Details: jgcgymnastics@absamail.co.za; 083 634 6164.
