Hilma Nalupe 

Namibia was once again on the global sport stage as rhythmic gymnast Emilia Ekandjo competed at the World Championships in Rio de Janeiro from 20 to 24 August. 

She carried the hopes of a nation in a sport that is still finding its footing in the country.

Born and raised in Windhoek, the 19-year-old is a first-year student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, studying procurement and supply chain management. 

Her interest in gymnastics started when a classmate thought she would enjoy the sport.  After her mom found her a local club, Ekandjo auditioned.

She was taken in by her coach, who has mentored her ever since. 

Over the years, her mom, coach and the Namibian Gymnastics Federation have been her biggest supporters, urging her to compete in competitions all over the continent and internationally.

For Ekandjo, rhythmic gymnastics goes beyond a mere sport. It is a way to merge movement with emotion. 

“I love being able to dance and express myself through movement, and wanting to be like my favourite gymnasts is what drew me to the sport,” she said. 

That passion has already earned her multiple national championships and medals, a bronze medal in Region 5, a spot in the African Championships and now a competitor in the World Championships.

In Rio, the competition was on a scale like nothing she had ever seen before. 

The crowded arena, the stands packed with fans and the world’s top gymnasts all in one place made the event both intense and unforgettable. 

She admitted that she struggled with nerves and a recurring ankle injury, but her ball routine was a standout, earning one of her top scores. 

For Ekandjo, training alongside the sport’s biggest names was another proud moment.

 She found herself sharing practice space with gymnasts she had long admired. Ekandjo’s presence in Rio went beyond just winning medals or performing routines. It represented the return of Namibia to the global stage after almost a decade of absence. 

“It was truly an honour to represent our country on such an international stage because the last time we sent a gymnast was nearly 10 years ago. It’s great to put our country on the map and let people know that we do have gymnastics in Namibia,” she said. Ekandjo hopes her participation will inspire young gymnasts at home to keep pushing forward. 

She said that promising athletes often give up halfway through their development, thinking there is no future in the sport. 

Her story shows that, with dedication, support and opportunity, Namibian athletes can stand proudly alongside the best in the world.

Although her performance in Rio was her first appearance at the World Championships, it was a major milestone in both her career and for Namibian gymnastics, which she helped bring back to the world stage. 

-hilmanalupe@gmail.com