Jumping to great heights: Silver for Svara
SVARA Bodasing is jumping to great heights, quite literally. The Grade 2 learner at La Lucia Primary, who is just 8 years old, is a rhythmic gym enthusiast.
So just what is rhythmic gymnastics? It is a sport that is a blend of dance, drama and music, using apparatus such as ropes, balls, hoops and ribbons.
Svara’s interest in rhythmic gymnastics started at the age of 5.
According to her mother, it was a sport she took to naturally.
“She was always the child climbing the monkey bars and running around doing cartwheels and handstands.”
The somewhat shy lass spoke eagerly about how she became interested in rhythmic gymnastics.
“It was easy for me to pursue this sport as I love dancing and music, so the rest basically fitted into the other aspects of the sport.”
In May this year, Svara participated in the KZN Trials Competition and was selected for the KZN gymnastics team where she was awarded her KZN Union Colours.
In June, she joined the rest of the KZN gymnastics team in Johannesburg to compete in the Novice North Zone Festival, one of the most prestigious gymnastics events in South Africa.
Svara was awarded a silver medal at this inter-provincial competition, and that in itself is a huge achievement, given the stiff competition in this growing sport.
“This was my first competition and I was very happy to win silver.
“The support of my family and coaches has given me the confidence to be the best I can be.
“My future goals would be to participate at the national championship and represent South Africa one day. This is an Olympic sport so that would really be a dream come true if I could represent my country one day.
“My advice to future gymnasts is to always believe in yourself and never give up – the best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today,” said Svara.