Gymnastics star set to shine overseas
PLETTENBERG BAY - Gymnastics star Leolin Petersen has been chosen to represent South Africa at the Federation for International Gymnastics (FIG) Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in Bulgaria later this year.
The 15-year-old former Plettenberg Bay Primary School learner, who is currently attending Framesby High School in Gqeberha to be closer to gymnastics coaches, has been selected to represent her country in not only one, but three disciplines: Euro tramp, double mini and tumbling.
The Plett youngster, who has her sights firmly on qualifying for the 2024 Olympics, is not a stranger to the international stage.
She was selected and competed at the same competition in 2019 in Japan. This was her first time competing internationally and she secured the 11th spot among 30 in her age category at the time. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, that was also the last major competition she has competed in since.
This time around, Leolin's goal is the podium. She has since been trained by renowned gymnastics coaches Mandy Zoonekynd and Lee Budler of Mandy's School of Tumbling and Trampoline.
Leolin started her gymnastics career at age seven and has proven her mettle over the years, winning many medals competing in South Africa.
As with most sports, attaining your dreams doesn't come cheap. For Leolin to travel to and compete in the championship taking place in November this year, she needs to raise R40 000. To make her dreams come true Leolin's mother Helen Bezuidenhout will once again be baking up a storm. She said she needed 415 people to each purchase a dozen Hertzoggies - a sweet pastry treat filled with apricot jam and a fluffy topping of coconut meringue - or a baby marrow loaf.