By Agnes Homwe
The 2025 Gymnastics Intervarsity Tournament took place at the University of Pretoria. The Maties Gymnastics team displayed exceptional dedication and talent across all disciplines, from rhythmic to artistic gymnastics.
Among the competitors and coaches who filled the gym with focus and excitement were Coach JC Nel, Reece Bird, Saskia Rohwer, and Dhiya Dharampal. They each offered a glimpse into the determination that defined the competition.
For Nel, who led the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) team, the event was about resilience as much as performance. “MAG focuses on strength, control, and precision,” he explained. “Across all disciplines, the values are the same: discipline, perseverance, and passion.”
Bird, a fourth-year BEng (Electromagnetics and Telecommunication) student who placed third in Level 6 MAG, spoke about the balance between academics and training. He mentioned how there is a strong link between sport and study; training hard helped him stay focused and get more value out of his study time. Reflecting on the competition, Bird added, “Our group dance brought everyone together. I didn’t realise how powerful something so simple could be – it turned teammates into close friends.”
Rohwer, a first-year BSc (Biomedical Mathematical Sciences) student, echoed this sentiment. “It was such a positive environment, no hostility or pressure, just encouragement. Everyone was cheering for everyone else. It reminded me why I love this sport.”
Dharampal, a master’s student in Theoretical Physics who won first place in Level 8 Rhythmic Gymnastics, emphasised the connection and camaraderie. “Getting to spend time with other Maties gymnasts and learning about their lives on campus was amazing. When we all step into that room, everything else falls away – we’re one group again.”
Looking ahead, the team faces the potential loss of their gymnastics hall, as the space may be converted for Soccer by Remgrow next year. This move raises concerns about the future of gymnastics for Maties and the Stellenbosch community. A dedicated hall is essential for training and maintaining high standards. Despite this uncertainty, the athletes have adapted creatively, showing that the true foundation of gymnastics lies not in equipment but in dedication, resilience, and teamwork.
Together, they proved that even when spaces change, the spirit of gymnastics endures in strength, balance, and a sense of belonging.
