After completing their podium training, South Africa’s junior gymnasts and their coaches compete in Manila, flying the flag high at one of the sport’s biggest international stages.
Manila, Philippines (23 November 2025) – Team SA’s young gymnasts wrapped up podium training and are officially flying the flag at the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships 2025 in Manila, Philippines. With their Quatro leotards looking sharp and spirits high, the excitement is building as they compete from 20 – 24 November.
This year’s world champs opened with a vibrant ceremony in Pasay City, signalling the arrival of the next generation of gymnastic talent, and South Africa is proudly part of this lineup.
Representing the country on the mat are:
Jana Van Staden, Keira Sawry, Lily Hayes and Kadin Chester, supported by a strong coaching team consisting of Lynette Lindeque, Martinette Marais and Nico Kruger, with judges Laura Watson and Bobby Budai also joining the delegation.
The competition brings together male gymnasts born between 2007 and 2010, and female gymnasts born in 2010 or 2011. This means everyone competing in Manila will be eligible for senior level competition, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. In other words, we are seeing the future of South African gymnastics. One that could potentially represent the country come LA28!
This talented group are representing the country with pride.
As the competition begins, South Africa’s juniors step into Manila as part of a new wave of gymnasts rising on the global stage.
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