Gymnasts in Stellenbosch medal haul

SEVEN rhythmic gymnasts of SKW Gymnastics Academy successfully participated in the International Inter-Club Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition in Stellenbosch, South Africa, at the end of last month.

The countries that competed were South Africa, Namibia, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Australia and Ukraine. It was an enjoyable and successful competition, dominated by the presence and participation of the current world number two and three, namely Anna Bessonova and Natalia Godunko of the Ukraine.Their performances inspired and enthralled all who watched their graceful, elegant dancing and they easily took the first and second places in the senior category of the competition.An additional feather in Namibia’s cap was issued by world number one coach Irina Derugina of the famous Derugina Rhythmic Gymnastics School in Kiev.She is a former Olympic and World champion and coach of the current world number two and three rhythmic gymnasts.She stated her intention to invite Nicole Bierbach to Ukraine to participate in a competition and to attend a training camp at the famous Derigina Rhythmic Gymnastics School in Kiev.The full results were as follows: Infant category B 8 competitors Free Dance and Hoop Routines Veronica Lepekha 2nd Overall, Silver Medal – Score 20,725 Infant category A 6 competitors Free Dance, Hoop and Clubs Routines Michelle Bierbach 2nd Overall, Silver Medal Score 33,200 Maike Brandt 4th Overall Score 31,175 Nadia Reichstein 5th Overall Score 30,650 Pre-junior category 13 competitors Rope, Ball and Hoop Routines Ida Steenkamp 4th Overall Score 30,075 Silver Medal in the Ball Routine Finals Junior category 13 competitors Rope, Hoop, Ball and Ribbon Routines Nicole Bierbach 5th Overall Score 45,075 Bronze Medal in the Ball Routine Finals Mirja Stoldt 8th Overall Score 42,300It was an enjoyable and successful competition, dominated by the presence and participation of the current world number two and three, namely Anna Bessonova and Natalia Godunko of the Ukraine.Their performances inspired and enthralled all who watched their graceful, elegant dancing and they easily took the first and second places in the senior category of the competition.An additional feather in Namibia’s cap was issued by world number one coach Irina Derugina of the famous Derugina Rhythmic Gymnastics School in Kiev.She is a former Olympic and World champion and coach of the current world number two and three rhythmic gymnasts.She stated her intention to invite Nicole Bierbach to Ukraine to participate in a competition and to attend a training camp at the famous Derigina Rhythmic Gymnastics School in Kiev.The full results were as follows: Infant category B 8 competitors Free Dance and Hoop Routines Veronica Lepekha 2nd Overall, Silver Medal – Score 20,725 Infant category A 6 competitors Free Dance, Hoop and Clubs Routines Michelle Bierbach 2nd Overall, Silver Medal Score 33,200 Maike Brandt 4th Overall Score 31,175 Nadia Reichstein 5th Overall Score 30,650 Pre-junior category 13 competitors Rope, Ball and Hoop Routines Ida Steenkamp 4th Overall Score 30,075 Silver Medal in the Ball Routine Finals Junior category 13 competitors Rope, Hoop, Ball and Ribbon Routines Nicole Bierbach 5th Overall Score 45,075 Bronze Medal in the Ball Routine Finals Mirja Stoldt 8th Overall Score 42,300