Tsumeb Gymnastics: Dedicated to restoring former glory

Tsumeb Gymnastics, one of the country’s oldest gymnastics clubs established in 1988, is experiencing a revival under the leadership of new coaches and committee members committed to restoring its presence in the sport.The club offers a range of programmes across several disciplines, including artistic gymnastics, recreational (fun gym), entry-level training and rhythmic gymnastics.Coaches Mandy Puleston, Heleen Steyn and Zenobia Hill are leading the efforts to rebuild the club. Together with the committee, they are training and supporting the 16 gymnasts enrolled this year in Levels 1 to 3.Puleston, who oversees the rhythmic Level 1 group, said the year got off to a positive start.“This year, we are happy to welcome former rhythmic gymnast Zenobia Hill, who is now coaching our Level 3 athletes. She joins me and coach Steyn, who works with Level 2, in leading our programme,” she said.She added that the arrival of new committee members has brought additional energy to the team. “Together, we’re ready to steer the club forward and bring it back to its former glory!”Recovering from setbacksPuleston said the club has not been without its challenges. Like many others, it was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.“Our numbers dropped significantly during Covid. Rebuilding has been difficult, especially on the financial side,” she said.She credited coach Steyn for stepping in at a crucial moment in 2023, bringing her experience in ballet (Cecchetti method) to assist the struggling rhythmic programme.“She joined us when the rhythmic section had only four gymnasts and no regular coach. With her ballet background and a rhythmic guidebook, she took the Level 1 gymnasts under her wing,” Puleston explained.Together, the two coaches prepared the gymnasts for national competition with just five weeks to go, despite having limited formal experience in gymnastics themselves.Growing resultsBy January 2024, the section had grown from four to eleven gymnasts. At the first national qualifiers in June, which featured over 320 participants, the Tsumeb gymnasts delivered promising performances.“Our small team managed to compete confidently among much more experienced clubs,” Puleston said.She thanked Parkies Rhythmic Gymnastics Club coach Uschi Bence for hosting a bootcamp in September that helped sharpen their skills ahead of the national championships in October.Tsumeb Gymnastics won several individual medals at nationals, including a silver medal in the Level 2 group dance.“At Tusmeb Gymnastics, no dream is too big. We aim to develop each gymnast as a whole. We value discipline, respect, commitment and humility just as much as the glitter, glamorous side of the sport.”The club is encouraging parents to consider rhythmic gymnastics for their children. Those interested can contact coach Mandy Puleston at 081 272 9852.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Tsumeb Gymnastics: Dedicated to restoring former glory

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-03

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Tsumeb Gymnastics: Dedicated to restoring former glory

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-03

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