Aidan Maguire is part of the men’s team competing against Angola, Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal from 25-27 May at the 17th African Artistic Gymnastics in Tshwane.
South African gymnast, Aidan Maguire. Picture: aidanmaguire_/Instagram
JOHANNESBURG – Team South Africa is throwing it down against seven other countries at the 17th African Artistic Gymnastics Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane.
Both the men’s and women’s teams are competing against Angola, Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal from 25-27 May in hopes of using their home advantage to bag medals and secure automatic World Championship qualification, both as a team and as individuals.
“This competition is very important to me and my future in gymnastics, so being mentally prepared has been a big challenge these past few months. Every time I start stressing or feeling a bit down, I tell myself this is what I have been training for and all I need to remember is that competition day is just like another training day but more official. I also have great support from my coaches, family and friends,” said gymnast, Aidan Maguire, to Eyewitness News.
One week to go! Team SA’s ???????? Aidan Maguire has a message for all #GymnasticsSA fans ????????.
Join us for the 17th African Artistic Gymnastics Championships at Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane from 25-27 May.
Tickets are free. Don’t miss it! pic.twitter.com/WAcDs6nh2D
‘ Gymnastics South Africa (@SAGymnastics) May 18, 2023
Maguire is part of the men’s team at the 17th African Artistic Gymnastics, alongside Muhammed Khalid Mia and Ruan Lange. They’re accompanied by coaches Kevin Basson (Visions Gymnastics Club) and Gerrard Ferreira (Centurion Gymnastics Club).
“As with any professional athlete, the road to success is tough because of the physical demands on your body, and you have to persevere through the injuries and ups and downs,” said the national athlete.
Maguire and his teammate Mia both flew the flag high in Egypt last year and while they weren’t able to secure either of the two places reserved for African gymnasts at the Olympic Games, they made a mark in the gymnastics scene, finishing sixth and eighth respectively overall.
Talking to Eyewitness News about the moments that stand out for him during his career Maguire said: “Competing internationally for SA and meeting like-minded and dedicated athletes, having a great team that has been competing together for the last ten years and having great memories.”
Team South Africa will compete against continental powerhouse Egypt, who bagged 23 of the 28 gold medals at last year’s championships in their home country and who have sent a powerful team to compete.
This includes all-around defending men’s champion, Mohamed Afify, who, in addition to the overall title, also won the high bar final and medalled on rings and parallel bars. Omar Mohamed, the runner-up overall in Egypt and the winner of four apparatus golds, will also compete. Mohamed was the all-around champion in 2021 and participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“I really look forward to competing for my country again, especially since the competition is being hosted in SA, as well as being back with the team after a few years. I just love the support and friendship that we have for each other. It is also going to be an experience competing against skilled gymnasts from different African countries,” said a confident Maguire.
On the influence Africa has on the world in the gymnastics scene at the moment, the athlete had this to say: “I don’t think Africa has the biggest influence on the gymnastics scene, but we certainly are building up towards it, so that the kids of today will be able to tell a different story in the future.”
The 17th African Artistic Gymnastics Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane is a qualification event for the World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium in September, which is one of four opportunities gymnasts will have to qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Only one men’s team and one women’s team can qualify automatically from these African championships, while two other male gymnasts from a non-qualifying team and four other female gymnasts from a non-qualifying team, with a maximum limit of two gymnasts per federation, may also qualify for the individual all-around competition.
“ I really look forward to competing for my country again, especially since the competition is being hosted in SA. As well as being back with the team after a few years I just love the support and friendship that we have for each other. It is also going to be an experience. It is also going to be an experience competing against skilled gymnasts from different African countries” said a confident Maguire.
On the influence Africa has on the world in the gymnastics scene at the moment, the athlete felt this way: “I don’t think Africa has the biggest influence on the gymnastics scene, but we certainly are building up towards it, so that the kids of today will be able to tell a different story in the future.”
The 17th African Artistic Gymnastics Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane is a qualification event for the World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium in September, which is one of four opportunities gymnasts will have to qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
