Grade 5 learner Dania Mbatha has brought pride to Redhill School by earning her Gauteng colours after competing in the National Gymnastics Championships.
With her vibrant energy and passion, Dania continues to make a name for herself in the sport, inspiring younger learners to dream big and aim high.
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Reflecting on her achievement Dania shared, “When I finished the competition, I felt relieved that it was over but I also felt really good and proud of myself.”
Her journey in gymnastics began when she was just two years old, driven by a desire to perform flips and twists.
“Tumbling is so much fun,” she said, capturing her joy for the sport.
Dania trains at Wanderers Gym Club, where her dedication shines through in each three-hour session, held four times a week.
“My training includes lots of conditioning and strength work as well as practising on the apparatus.”
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Even with the intense training, she manages to stay balanced.
“Luckily, I do not get that much homework from my school, so it’s not too hard to balance things. It’s all the other sports that are hard to balance.”
During the championships, one of her most memorable moments came on the beam.
“I kept wobbling but I gripped with my toes and managed to stay on,” Dania added, highlighting the persistence that defines her approach to the sport.
She looks up to gymnastics legend Simone Biles. “She is amazing and does stuff that I thought was just not possible.”
The path has not always been smooth for Dania. Last year, she dislocated her elbow, sidelining her for three months but her resilience shone through. “You just have to keep going.”
Looking ahead, Dania is setting her sights on future competitions.
“I would love to compete at Nationals again next year and even improve my scores.”
Her advice to other young athletes is simple yet powerful: “When you find something that you love, don’t let anything stop you.”
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