Although Namibia’s gymnasts did not achieve the results they had hoped for at the recently concluded World Challenge Cup in Paris, team manager and coach Petra Thorburn believes the experience was invaluable.

Namibia was among 38 countries represented at the prestigious competition in the French capital. The nation sent out four athletes, Immanuel Kooper, Sureshini Andrew, Jonie Thorburn, and Anne-Leen Thorburn who competed in various categories.

The event gave gymnasts the chance to compete for world rankings and price money, with only the top eight in each apparatus advancing to the finals. None of Namibia’s representatives broke into the final eight, but Thorburn said the focus was on exposure more than it was on medals.

“Not one of our gymnasts qualified, as only the top eight per apparatus go through to the finals. But we are extremely proud, because this was the first international competition at this level where we had the opportunity to field this number of FIG-level gymnasts,” Thorburn explained.

She emphasised that the tournament was a stepping stone for future growth. “We are working towards the future, because there are two types of fitness in gymnastics – training and competition. For our gymnasts to start building competition fitness and gain experience at this level is incredible. They really held their own,” she said.

Thorburn added that the athletes left a positive impression, both on and off the floor. “They were amazing! I am so, so proud of this team. The feedback we received for simply being part of the competition and the love shown to them demonstrated that these gymnasts left a mark. They might not have been the best performers, but they were well-behaved, followed the rules, and were friendly to everyone. That matters too,” she concluded.

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na