PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plett gymnast Leolin Petersen's star is shining brighter than ever as she not only qualified to represent South Africa at the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) world championships in the United Kingdom in her age group, but also to be part of the country's senior team for the first time.

The Plettenberg Bay Primary School alumnus, who is currently attending Framesby High School in Gqeberha, was selected to represent her country on the senior team for double-mini trampoline at the FIG Trampoline World Championships in Birmingham, England from 9 to 12 November.

A marked achievement

This is a prestigious international competition that will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2025 World Games. The honour comes at a tender age for the young gymnast, who turns 17 on Friday.

For Leolin, this is one step closer to achieving her dream of participating at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Leolin also qualified for the FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Age Group competition, also in England, from 16 to 19 November – this time for trampoline in the 17 to 21 years category. She is one of eight gymnasts from Mandy's School of Tumbling and Trampoline who, under the watchful eyes of renowned gymnastics coaches Mandy Zoonekynd and Lee Budler, qualified for the world championships.

Her family's pride

Her proud mother, Helen Bezuidenhout, is extremely proud of her daughter's achievements. She says Leolin's interest in gymnastics started to blossom at only three years old.

"Leolin showed a natural aptitude for gymnastics and at the age of five she was awarded SWD colours in gymnastics and at the age of seven she obtained Western Province colours," she said.

The rest, as they say, is history, with Leolin raking in medals in almost all the events she participates in.

Her most recent success was winning triple gold at the Madiba Cup Festival in Cape Town in June. Last year, she also won two gold medals and a silver at the Gymnastics South Africa National Championships in Gauteng and competed at the Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in Bulgaria last year.

Fundraising efforts

While it takes dedication and discipline to reach her level of competition, it is also going to take funds to help her participate in England.

According to Bezuidenhout, they have to raise R80 000 to cover the costs of the flights, accommodation, transport, meals, competition entry, travel insurance and her gymnastics kit.

Bezuidenhout has become known for her prowess in the kitchen, which has helped raise funds for past international competitions, and this time around it is no different. With previous events it was Hertzoggies - a sweet pastry treat filled with apricot jam and a fluffy topping of coconut meringue - and baby marrow loaf.

This time she will be cooking chicken and roosterkoek as well as a salad on 25 August.

This will be available at 2349 Keur-booms Street in New Horizons at 15:00. On 28 October, Plett residents Chrystal and Howard Smith will be preparing a three-course meal at 3176 Saringa Road to raise further funds.

Bezuidenhout has also started a crowdfunding initiative where donations can be made. For more information, you can contact Bezuidenhout on 064 815 5380.

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