South Africa’s women’s team has thus qualified for the World Championships in Belgium later this year, while Egypt and Algeria – the silver and bronze medallists respectively, will be able to send individual gymnasts to the event as well.
South Africa’s women’s team took the gold medal on Friday qualifying for the World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, later this year. Picture: Gymnastics South Africa/Facebook.
JOHANNESBURG – Team SA claimed gold at the 17th African Artistic Gymnastics held this weekend at Tshwane’s Heartfelt Arena.
This means that the South Africa’s women’s team has qualified for the World Championships in Belgium later this year, while Egypt and Algeria – the silver and bronze medallists respectively, will be able to send individual gymnasts to the event as well.
“It’s a massive relief; the girls did their job to perfection. The goal was for three of our four gymnasts to go clean on each apparatus, and they did that,” said SA head coach, Ilse Pelser in a statement.
PB on the bar and qualified for World Champs! Team SA’s @CaitRooskrantz on her silver in the all around and gold in the team competition.
And a message for South Africa’s MAG team ????????#AFCH2023 pic.twitter.com/5p6lnEGA3G
‘ Gymnastics South Africa (@SAGymnastics) May 27, 2023
In the women’s individual category, Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour, who is based in France won the overall competition by three points. South Africa’s Caitlin Rooskrantz came second while Egypt’s Jana Abdelsalam took home the bronze medal.
“This is a historic night for South African gymnastics. Our first team victory in the women’s artistic team competition since 2006. The support was amazing and gymnastics is alive and well in South Africa. We’re extremely proud to host an event of this stature in South Africa.
“The level of women’s artistic gymnastics displayed tonight was exceptional, and we congratulate all the winners for showcasing their talents so expertly,” said Gymnastics South Africa President, Donny Jurgens in a statement.
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It’s not only about the competition. Friendships are being forged for life ????????#ilovegymnastics#AFCH2023 pic.twitter.com/Dy1Y9rRVa9
‘ Gymnastics South Africa (@SAGymnastics) May 27, 2023
The men’s artistic competition on Saturday was dominated by Egypt who won the team competition by 11 points against Algeria, Morocco, and a three-man South African team comprising Muhammad-Khaalid Mia, Aidan Maguire, and Ruan Lange.
The Egyptians will also be heading to the World Championships in Belgium later in the year.
“It was an honour to host this competition and the spirit shown by all competitors, even the less traditional gymnastics nations who sent athletes to compete, was a joy to behold. We congratulate all winners and wish all teams, officials and delegates from other countries safe onward travels until we meet again,” said Jurgens.
Egypt take top honours in the men’s artistic competition at 17th African Artistic Championships ???????????? !
Read how they did it here – https://t.co/kmn7l0KvU9 #AFCH2023 pic.twitter.com/uukYOh57lg
‘ Gymnastics South Africa (@SAGymnastics) May 27, 2023
South Africa’s Muhammad Khaalid Mia on the horizontal bar in rotation 6.#AFCH2023 pic.twitter.com/P1nyNxKeMn
‘ Gymnastics South Africa (@SAGymnastics) May 27, 2023
That feeling when you win back to back team gold!
Congratulations Egypt! #AFCH2023 pic.twitter.com/84ATUlrQnV
‘ Gymnastics South Africa (@SAGymnastics) May 27, 2023
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