In a dazzling display of talent, gymnasts from all over the world united in South Africa’s Tshwane for the 2023 Down Syndrome International Gymnastics World Championships, where Team SA made us super proud on home ground with multiple winning moments!
Tshwane, South Africa (26 September 2023) — The 2023 Down Syndrome International Gymnastics World Championships (DSIGO Championships) turned Tshwane into a stage for global talents from all over the world on 23-24 September.
At Centurion’s Matsport Centre, gymnasts from Italy, Mexico, Bulgaria, Argentina and South Africa united in the love of sport, friendship and representation, with world title holders and Special Olympics Champions (including SA’s Charles Phillips) putting their best foot forward.
The South African team showed incredible skill and roaring results, especially from podium trio Megan Le Roux, Victoria Giuricich and Coco Surman who alternated podium placements in multiple events.
The DSIGO Championships Results for Team South Africa!
Day 1 saw our podium trio begin their victory streak with the Junior Rhythm Gymnastics stretch that saw Megan Le Roux earn gold, Victoria Giuricich clinch silver and Coco Surman score bronze.
Back at it again, the young gymnasts then swopped podium placements multiple times as they won the Rhythmic Junior Ribbon, Rhythmic Junior Club and Rhythmic Junior Ball events among others with the results as follows:
- Rhythmic Junior Ribbon: Coco Surman (gold), Megan Le Roux (silver) and Victoria Giuricich (bronze)
- Rhythmic Junior Club session: Coco Surman (gold), Victoria Giuricich (silver) and Megan Le Roux (bronze)
- Rhythmic Junior Ring: Victoria Giuricich (gold), Megan Le Roux (silver) and Coco Surman (bronze).
As for the all-round junior medallists, three more South Africans topped the podiums: James Bateman (gold), Zac Rees (silver) and Oliver Rogers (bronze).
Charles Philips also showcased his talent boldly and walked away from the DSIGO Championships with multiple bronze medals for the Men’s Artistic Senior Horizontal Bar, Senior Parallel Bars and Rings as well as for the MAG Senior Pommel Horse.
However, beyond medals and accolades, the words of Gymnastics South Africa President Donovan Jurgens echoed the true spirit of the prestigious event when he said:
“Sport is not only about medals. Sport is about friendship. Sport is about courage, it’s about values, it’s about honesty, it’s about overcoming your fears.”
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