Standing with their coaches are the MGA gymnasts who represented Limpopo at the SA National Gym Games earlier this month. From left: Ruan Goosen, Keanu Potgieter, MGA owner and boys artistic coach Richard Marshall, MGA girls artistic coach Merene van Zyl, Melody Raats and Viné van den Heever.
Four of Marshall Gymnastics Academy’s (MGA) senior gymnasts represented Limpopo at the South African National Gym Games last week. They competed against gymnasts from all nine provinces in South Africa and a team from Namibia.
Gymnastics is a fast-growing sport in South Africa. The South African Gymnastics Federation’s tested various gymnastic disciplines, including rhythmic, artistic, trampoline, rope skipping and tumbling.
“MGA gymnasts held Limpopo’s name high and competed with grace, tenacity, and champion attitudes,” agrees MGA owner and boys coach Richard Marshall and girl’s coach Merene van Zyl.
Viné van den Heever ended second overall in her category (Level 4) and also bagged a silver medal for her Uneven Bar Routine with a 9.40 score (out of 10).
Melody Raats completed her competition season on a high note and achieved her highest total score yet this year. She ended in the top 20 of her age category (Level 6, 13-17 years) with an above 8.00 average, beating her own best.
Keanu Potgieter, our own High Performance gymnast, competed against SA’s best and managed to finish in the top 15, while Ruan Goosen received a bronze medal for his High Bar routine with a score of 9.60. He also finished in the top 20 of his category (Level 5, 12-13 years).
“We are extremely proud of all of our gymnasts, they are an inspiration of what is possible with hard work and dedication,” said Richard.
Any one interested in finding out more about MGA or would like to try a free class, can call Merene on 079 217 8410. MGA is situated at the RET Centre on the corner of Geyser and Fourie Street.