Wits’ Karishma Naicker beams proud at African Championships success
- Tshepiso Mametela
Taking to the mat in another display of brilliance, Wits star gymnast Karishma Naicker added three silver medals to her burgeoning closet of achievements at the back of a successful assignment for South Africa at the 15th African Championship held in Egypt in March.
The 18-year-old Physiotherapy student participated as part of the country’s only senior Olympic group in her first continental championships event. The diminutive rhythmic starlet described the experience as “everything I hoped it to be”.
Naicker said her team made a nervous start on the first day of competition but grew into it as it progressed. “On the day of competition, we warmed up well although practice space was limited. Our first routine (five balls) went well although we had two mistakes that cost us some points,” said Naicker.
“Our second routine (three hoops + two pairs of clubs) was better although we also had two mistakes in the routine. Overall, I would say that we expected our routines to be flawless but the [reality] is that it doesn't always happen on the day of competition.”
Significantly, according to Naicker, gymnasts are judged on their artistry, execution of skills and difficulty of skills – all of which they gain points for. They perform leaps, balances, pivots and flexibility movements, along with tossing, catching, rolling and otherwise manipulating the apparatus. To this end, team rapport is the ultimate recipe for success.
Naicker said her team had rapport in large doses en route to making the podium three times. “As a teammate, it is your responsibility to stay focused in both training and competition. If your teammate is distracted you need to motivate her and get her back on track. That's not all. You have to know and understand your teammates. You need to understand what they're going through at home, school and in the gym,” said Naicker.
Asked what her most memorable moment throughout the championships was, the senior Olympic group gymnast said it was standing on the podium with her teammates, with whom she has worked closely for the past two years. “We made so many sacrifices. We were so committed that everything else in our lives became secondary priorities.
“We got through the good and bad days and when we stood on the podium, united as South Africans, I was so proud. I was proud of myself but I was also proud of my teammates. We looked after each other and together we achieved our goal. Thanks to each other and, of course, our coaches today we are Proteas gymnasts,” added Naicker.
