Skill and dedication in season finale

The Namibia artistic and aerobic gymnastics community wrapped up a successful club competition at MTC The Dome in Swakopmund last weekend. Gymnasts from across the country competed in both disciplines for their season's final competition. The ages of gymnasts ranged from seven to 19 years, with clubs from various regions, including Oshikango, Ondangwa, Windhoek, Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund represented.Dione Dichtl, the head coach at Swakopmund Gymnastics Club and competition organiser, expressed her excitement about the diverse representation.“We had gymnasts competing from levels 1 to 7 in artistic gymnastics and levels 1 to 3 in aerobics, and we have clubs from as far north as Oshikango and Ondangwa. It has been incredible to see the talent and dedication of all participants,” she said. The competition was especially significant for the clubs from the far north, namely Oshikango and Ondangwa. Due to financial constraints, these clubs have struggled to attend events in the past, with their gymnasts also practicing without proper equipment. "They’ve been training artistic gymnastics on fleece blankets and makeshift beams made from taped-down strips," Dichtl explained. “Today was the first time they’ve had the chance to compete on a real beam, and I find it amazing how much they’ve accomplished with so little.”The competition allowed gymnasts to win individual apparatus medals, all-around medals, and trophies for the best performer in each level, regardless of age. This event was the culmination of a series of qualifying competitions held earlier in the year, with Dichtl expressing particular pride in the participation from the northern clubs. "It’s been expensive for them to travel, but their enthusiasm and commitment are inspiring. We’re thrilled they could join us."Results overviewIn men's artistic gymnastics, standout performances came from Jozua Kunert of Otjiwarongo Gymnastics Club (OGC), who clinched the trophy in Level 1 with an impressive national total of 149.45, and Whitlynn Cloete of Swakopmund Gymnastics Club (SGC), who excelled in Level 5 with a total of 200.20 points. Dantago Horaeb of SGC dominated Level 6, scoring 203.40 overall.In women's artistic gymnastics, Aaliyah English (OGC) took the top spot in Level 1 with a total of 144.45 points. Jenne-Lee Marsh of SGC triumphed in Level 4, with a remarkable 36.95 average, and Anna Dörenhoff of SGC claimed victory in Level 7 with an impressive score of 38.55. Aerobic gymnastics also saw thrilling performances. Lora Yambeka Sheyanale (OGC) took first place in the Level 1 individual (11 & under) category with a score of 12.50, and Joyce Mwaamenange of Art in Motion Aerobics Gymnastics Club (AMAGC) from Oshikango claimed the Level 3 individual (13 & under) title with a total of 9.10.Introducing parkourLooking forward to the next season, Dichtl outlined the club’s goals, which include increasing access to proper equipment for northern clubs and expanding the reach of gymnastics across Namibia. “We have some older equipment that we hope to distribute to these clubs to help them grow,” she said.Additionally, there are plans to promote parkour, or street gymnastics, particularly in rural areas where boys are less inclined to participate in aerobics. "We’re excited to get parkour leagues going next year to encourage more boys to get involved in what our sport has to offer.”– precious@erongo.com.na

Skill and dedication in season finale

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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Skill and dedication in season finale

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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