On 21 and 22 July the National Qualifying Competition in Rhythmic Gymnastics took place in the SKW Hall in Windhoek. More than 100 gymnasts from Tsumeb, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Windhoek could be seen in action in about 40 competition categories and age groups. SKW Gymnastics Academy clinched most of the gold medals and proved to be the most successful club of the competition.

Highlight of the competition was a tight battle in the Junior Category between the two top gymnasts in Namibia, 13 year old Nicole Bierbach and Mirja Stoldt (14) from the SKW Gymnastics Academy. The two friends are both coached by Ukrainian trainer Angela Lepekha. For the first time in their carrier, they had to compete directly against each other. A stunned audience witnessed a fascinating display with rope, hoop, clubs and ribbon. Both won two gold and two silver medals with their apparatus and clinched the overall 1st place in a tie with the highest score of the competition!

Furthermore, a team of 22 rhythmic gymnasts and 4 officials of the SKW Gymnastics Academy will compete in the Tuks Invitational Competition in Pretoria, South Africa on 28 and 29 July. They are sponsored by Rennies Travel, African Extravaganza, SWA Safaris, Van der Merwe – Greeff Inc., First National Bank, Jensen Transport, Namibia Construction and Windhoek Tool Centre. 

Mirja Stoldt