Rooskrantz remains motivated for 2021 Olympic Games
PARKVIEW – Local gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz (18) appeals to community members to support her club, JGC Gymnastics, by taking part in the handstand challenge.
While the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games was initially a big shock for local gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz (18), she is thankful for the extra time she has to prepare for the games.
In September last year, the former Parktown Girl made history by becoming the first South African to win a gold medal for her bar routine at the World Challenge Cup. In November last year, Rooskrantz was ecstatic when she learned that she had qualified for the Olympics.
The 2020 Olympics have since been postponed to July 2021 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Rooskrantz said, “The postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games did initially come as a big shock to me, and was quite upsetting. Being aware of the current situation in the world and my country right now with the pandemic, I am happy with the decision. I believe it is in the best interests of all athletes as our health comes first – always.”
She said she was motivated by a quote which says: ‘The goal hasn’t changed. Just the timeline has. Keep going!’.
Fortunately, Rooskrantz’s spot at the Olympics is secure and she does not need to re-qualify.
While the lockdown period is quite frustrating, she has not stopped working. She takes part in set programmes to keep up her strength, fitness and flexibility each afternoon and watches videos from past successful competitions in order to keep her mind in the sport.
She says that it is frustrating to no longer be able to train at the gym, but remains positive knowing that there is more preparation time.
“With the competition season being entirely cancelled for the year, we can really focus on upgrading our routines once we get back into the gym and compete even better and upgraded routines at the games next year.”
However, one of her greatest concerns is the financial viability of her club, JGC Gymnastics, which had to close its doors during lockdown.
The club is running a 100-day handstand challenge in order to rally together donations to keep their doors open after lockdown is over.
Community members are invited to do a handstand, post it on social media and challenge someone to sponsor their handstands in support of the club’s Back-a-buddy page. The club has so far raised just over R28 500, but hopes to reach the goal of R100 000.
Details: www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/handstandchallenge
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Local gymnast makes history becoming the first South African to win gold at the World Challenge Cup
