SA’s Aerial Sports team has once again ascended to new heights on the global stage! Representing the nation at the World Aerial Art Championship in Greece, the small but mighty team returned home with gold and bronze medals.
Athens, Greece (23 October 2024) – South Africans have been doing the absolute most and shining on the world-class stage in just about every discipline lately and we cannot help but beam with pride as a platform that gets to share their amazing stories of grit, dedication and triumph in foreign lands and against some of the best competitors out there.
Showcasing their agility, skills, and indomitable spirit at the World Aerial Art Championship in Athens, Greece, the small but dynamic Aerial Sports South Africa team brought their A-game and secured gold and bronze medals.
Leading the charge was the young sensation, Stella van Durren. At just eight years old, Stella has already captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her graceful and mesmerizing performances.
Securing a gold medal in the Hoop Varsity Junior Amateur division, Stella’s victory was a testament to her natural ability and countless hours of practice.
Reflecting on her experience, she shared:
“I love hoop because there are so many beautiful moves to learn. When I’m up on the hoop, it feels like I’m flying. Competing in the world championship was nerve-wracking, but so exciting! It was such fun being on a big stage, and I was so happy after my performance!”
Stella’s mother expressed the overwhelming pride she felt watching her daughter shine:
“Watching my daughter perform on the world stage was surreal. I felt such pride, joy, and a little disbelief seeing my little girl, who dances in our living room, now captivating the world. It was nothing short of magical!”
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Her coach echoed these sentiments, saying:
“I am beyond proud of Stella for stepping onto the world stage. From her very first performance to this incredible moment, watching her grow into the strong and graceful athlete she is today has been one of the greatest rewards of being her coach. Regardless of the gold medal, her courage and dedication make her a true champion.”
Renate Steynberg, another South African athlete, also made her mark at the championship, securing a bronze medal in the Hoop Masters 40+ Amateur division.
Renate has been pole dancing for a few years now and started Lyra after having a class gifted to her.
“I was hooked from the very first nauseating spin. Very often, the time I spend training is the only time in the day when my mind is still – there is no space for noise. I am too busy trying to figure out where my left leg is when I’m upside down and spinning in circles.”
The athlete recalls how her coach convinced her to participate in the SA Nationals which led her to making to Greece – something she’d never anticipated but has now sparked her determination to go even harder next year.
“What started as a joke earlier this year about going to Worlds turned into a serious commitment and dedication,” Renate’s coach shared.
“Watching her journey from that playful idea to standing proudly with a bronze medal has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Chantal Cornelissen, President of Aerial Sports South Africa, expressed immense pride in seeing the country’s athletes shine on the world stage.
“Watching our athletes dominate internationally is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it fills me with excitement as our sport continues to grow,” she shared.
With the Pole and Aerial Sport World Championship and Pole Art Championship coming up at the end of November and early December, Cornelissen remains hopeful but acknowledges the ongoing challenges.
“We are constantly struggling with funding to support our athletes getting to these events, yet their talent and passion deserve to be showcased on the global stage.
“The team’s success in Greece has brought pride to their community and serves as an inspiration for the growing aerial sports scene in South Africa.
Sources: Aerial Sports South Africa
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