Nothing but gold for Leolin
PLETTENBERG BAY - Plett's gymnastics sensation Leolin Petersen showed that she is ready for the world stage later this year when she became national champion in four different gymnastics disciplines last week.
The 17-year-old Plettenberg Bay Primary School alumnus, who is currently in Gqeberha to be closer to her gymnastics coaches, participated in the annual gymnastics national championship, the SA Gym Games, in Gauteng last week. She gave a stellar performance which secured her gold medals in Euro trampoline, tumbling and synchro in the category for 17- to 21-yearolds, as well as gold in in double mini trampoline in the senior division.
"We are so proud of her," her mother Helen Bezuidenhout said after her performance.
Leolin earned her right to participate in the nationals at the Eastern Province trampoline and tumbling trials in Gqeberha earlier, managing to secure three gold medals - for tumbling, double mini and Euro trampoline in her age group.
This followed a series of successes over the past few months including her inclusion in the South African team, in her age group and in the senior team, at the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) World Championships in Birmingham, UK in November.
She also recently won gold in not only double mini trampoline, but also Euro trampoline at the final leg of the Madiba Cup held in Mossel Bay.
She also won three gold medals for her performance in senior women's double-mini trampoline, junior women's trampoline, and junior women's power tumbling during the second leg of the series in Cape Town. These achievements bring her closer to reaching her dream of participating at the 2024 Olympic Games – a dream she has had from a young age.
The world championship in England is a qualifying event for next year's Olympic Games and the 2025 World Games.
While she is doing what is needed on the competition floor, getting her to England is still a challenge as she requires significant funding to make it possible. Her family has started a crowd funding initiative on www. backabuddy.co.za, as well as various other fundraising events. For more information, you can contact her mother, Helen Bezuidenhout, on 064 815 5380.
This brings her closer to reaching her dream of participating at the 2024 Olympic Games.