Gymnasts
Photo Credit: Gymnastics South Africa (Facebook)

Olympians, African medallists and rising stars make up the six-member squad ready to represent Team South Africa in Scotland.

 

South Africa (09 July 2026) – Only 14 days remain until the 2026 Commonwealth Games begin in Glasgow, and the excitement is becoming impossible to ignore. As Team South Africa continues to come together, the country’s gymnastics stars are getting ready to tumble, flip and fly their way onto one of the biggest stages in international sport with one of the strongest squads the nation has assembled in years.

Gymnastics South Africa has confirmed a six-member artistic gymnastics team for the Games, with the squad bringing together Olympic experience, continental champions and exciting young talent eager to make their mark when competition gets underway on 24 July.

Leading the women’s team is two-time Olympian Caitlin Rooskrantz, who returns to the Commonwealth Games as South Africa’s most decorated gymnast at the event. Rooskrantz famously won bronze on the uneven bars at the 2022 Games in Birmingham, ending the country’s long wait for a Commonwealth gymnastics medal. She heads to Glasgow after another impressive season, which included a silver medal in the all-around at the African Championships.

Joining her is fellow Olympian Naveen Daries, who will compete at her third Commonwealth Games. Daries continues to be one of South Africa’s most experienced gymnasts and will be hoping to build on her historic sixth-place all-around finish in Birmingham, the highest ever by a South African gymnast in that event.

The women’s squad also features Zelmé Daries, Buhle Nhleko and Karma Visagie, all of whom helped South Africa secure the silver medal in the women’s team event at the 2026 African Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Cameroon. That performance has provided the squad with plenty of momentum heading into Glasgow.

Women’s head coach Ilse Pelser believes the group has what it takes to challenge on the international stage.

“We have athletes who have competed on Olympic floors, athletes who know what it takes to medal at this level, and exciting young talent who are ready for this moment.”

Representing South Africa in the men’s competition is 20-year-old Daniel Mclean, whose breakthrough year has earned him a place at the Games. Mclean arrives in Glasgow after winning gold in the floor exercise at the African Championships, a performance that underlined his rapid rise in the senior ranks.

“Daniel is hungry, and he is ready to put his training and preparation into this competition to make South Africa proud in Glasgow,” said men’s head coach Kevin Basson.

South Africa’s gymnasts will be looking to build on their African Champion success and deliver another memorable chapter.


Sources: Gymnastics South Africa 
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Karabo Peter is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Passionate about sharing stories of growth and resilience. From sports to the ways business, travel, and art shape communities. When she’s not writing, she’s likely out on a run or discovering new coffee spots.

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