172 rhythmic gymnasts compete at nationals
A total of 172 gymnasts from nine clubs across Namibia competed at the Namibia Rhythmic Gymnastics National Championships in Walvis Bay last weekend, battling for national titles and qualification scores for the 2027 season.
The championships brought together athletes of all levels, from beginners to senior competitors, providing a platform to showcase their development and compete for national honours.
According to NGF rhythmic gymnastics communications officer Eleonora Karamfilova, the competition aimed to crown national champions from Level 1 to Level 10, while allowing gymnasts to demonstrate their progress and qualify for higher competition levels in 2027.
The event also highlighted the continued growth of rhythmic gymnastics in Namibia, with all nine clubs represented.
Organisers were particularly encouraged by the standard of performances in Levels 1 to 3, noting improvements in dance, expression and execution compared with previous years.
“The performances were beautiful, confident and much more polished than in previous years,” said Karamfilova.
However, apparatus handling and the development of more difficult routines remain key areas for improvement as athletes progress to higher levels. Organisers also highlighted the need for additional coaching clinics and international exposure to raise the standard of the sport.
In the overall national championships, Mia Kasera of WRC won the Level 1 title with 11.20 points. Vonique Smith of ERGC claimed the Level 2 title with 11.16, while Gianna Itewa, also of ERGC, secured the Level 3 championship with 10.71.
Namibia is set to host the African Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship in Swakopmund in July 2027. The continental event will provide an important opportunity for local gymnasts to gain experience against international competition as they continue their development towards higher levels of the sport.
Gymnasts who achieve the required qualification scores at subsequent competitions will have opportunities to progress to higher levels. The top performers in Level 3 are expected to move to Level 4, from where athletes may be considered for training camps and national squad selection.
Hosting the African Championship will also give Namibia an opportunity to showcase its organisational capacity and promote the sport locally. The Namibian Gymnastics Federation is encouraging corporate sponsors to support preparations for the event.
Age-group results
Level 1
Under 6: Alani Keister (Aspire RG) – 11.28.
Under 7: Mia Kasera (WRC) – 11.23.
Under 8: Zoé de Scande (Parkies RGC) – 10.98.
Under 9: Jaylah Johnson (ERGC) – 11.30.
Under 10: Faith De Wet (Aspire RG) – 11.10.
Under 11: Amoré van Niekerk (Parkies RGC) – 10.68.
Level 2
Vonique Smith of ERGC won the overall national title with 11.16 points.
Under 7: Connie-Rose Shipefi (ERGC) – 10.60.
Under 8: Natalia van Rooi (ERGC) – 10.73.
Under 9: Vonique Smith (ERGC) – 11.10.
Under 10: Lira Titus (Parkies RGC) – 11.00.
Under 11: D'vine Hanstein (Aspire RG) – 10.40.
Over 11: Lia-Marie Vermeulen (WRC) – 9.93.
Level 3
Gianna Itewa of ERGC secured the overall championship with 10.71 points.
Under 7: Anita Vasilenko (WRC) – 9.33.
Under 8: Erle Coetzee (WRC) – 10.23.
Under 9: Natalie //Naobes (ERGC) – 10.70.
Under 10: Ameera Harris (ERGC) – 10.63.
Under 11: Xene Swarts (Parkies RGC) – 10.70.
Over 11: Lily-Yana Alberts (Aspire RG) – 10.63.
