Dynamite comes in small packages as Wits gymnast looks to shine in Egypt
- Tshepiso Mametela
The notation of dynamite coming in small packages could not be any truer of the exploits of one Karishma Naicker
The notation of dynamite coming in small packages could not be any truer if the exploits of one Karishma Naicker, a first year Physiotherapy student at Wits, is anything to go by.
The 18-year-old gymnastics extraordinaire is braced to bring her A-game when she takes to the mat at the 15th African Championships in Sharm EL Sheikh, Egypt from 10 to 15 March. “This is the highest accolade that I have ever achieved in my rhythmic gymnastics career,” Naicker told Wits Sport.
“One goal that I set for myself was to get my Proteas colours and my selection for this competition has made me eligible to get them. Achieving my goal means so much to me. Since 2018, the team (a group of five girls) has worked incredibly hard to make it to where we are now.”
It has not all been fun and games, according Naicker. She has had to make a great deal of sacrifices en route to realising her dreams, notwithstanding, contending with a myriad of injuries, the constraints of time, and the added pressure of sorting through academics. “None of those setbacks can compare to what we have achieved,” said an adamant Naicker. “I made many sacrifices to make my dream work. I trained for 16 hours a week through grade 11 until matric, and even through the final exams.
“This year we extended our training hours to 20 hours and combined with University, the commitment is intense. It is not easy but every hour that I spend in the gym contributes to my greater goal, and of course, it is something that I absolutely love doing!”
Her participation as part of the country’s only Senior Olympic Group is in itself a mean feat. Naicker, along with the other four girls have had to work together, support and motivate each other while remaining selfless and patient.
“Sport is not just a physical exercise – it involves a lot of mental training. You have to push yourself and believe in yourself always. For me, this achievement is a combination of good and bad days, hard work, dedication, passion and never giving up. To be selected to represent my country, doing the sport that I love, means everything to me,” Naicker added.
Importantly, the young gymnast has had to find inspiration to support her love and growing aspirations in the sport. After doing rhythmic gymnastics for 12 years, starting out at the tender age of just six-years-old, today Naicker has developed into a robust and well-rounded aficionado.
“To be in the only Senior Olympic Group in South Africa, I had to draw my inspiration from rhythmic gymnastics groups overseas. I watch the major international competitions looking at the way teams perform as a unit,” said Naicker. “The team that I am inspired by is the Bulgarian Senior Olympic Group. They look after each other so well and when they compete they push through no matter what. Their dedication and passion inspires me to be better every day.”