From struggles to success: Building a gymnastics club in Soweto

GROWING up in a school where the only sports available to us were netball and soccer, I felt boxed into something I didn't enjoy. I didnt like netball; all girls had to play netball, and it was clear that I wasnt cut out for it.

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During team selections, I always made sure to position myself at the back, hoping not to be picked. When I was chosen, Id find myself at the goalpost or standing on the sidelines, far from the action. The ball would rarely come my way, and I hated it.

Td make up excuses to avoid playing ~ telling my teammates I was sick or that my parents didn’t want me playing in the sun. But deep down, I always wanted something more, something different.

I would sometimes sneak off to the soccer field to play with the boys, even though I didn’t fully understand the game. The boys would often leave me behind because I wasn't skilled enough, but I didn't mind. I just enjoyed the physical activity. Still, there was no structure, no girls team, and no girls’ coach, so I often found myself feeling lost.

In high school, I faced even more challenges. I still didn’t have a voice, and it seemed like I was meant to fit into the roles that were laid out for me. But then, one day, something changed. I saw thythmic gymnastics for the first time, and it felt like a revelation. The beauty of the routines with ribbons, balls, and hoops captivated me. I thought: “This is exactly what I want to do” It was a sport that seemed to align with everything I had been longing for.

A New Beginning in the Gym

The first day I stepped into the gym, I felt something I had never experienced before —a deep sense of purpose. Gymnastics quickly became my passion. However, it wasn't until I started ranking and moving up through the levels that I truly understood how demanding the sport could be. The physical challenges were tough, but I was determined. I doubled my training sessions and made sure every moment I had was dedicated to improving.