Durban teens honoured to represent South Africa at World Gymnastics Champs

THEY left as teammates and returned as sisters. Five Durban teenagers arrived back in South Africa this week after competing at the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior World Championships in Bulgaria, a trip they say brought them pride, perspective, and lifelong friendships.

Abigail Smulders, Riley Gouws, Hanna Faith Chengiah, Naluthando Mbelu, and Thandolwethu Mthiyane, all aged 14, represented South Africa at one of the sport’s biggest international events for juniors. While they didn’t return with medals, they say the experience was unforgettable, and one they’ll carry into their future as gymnasts and young women.

Speaking to the Independent on Saturday, the girls reflected on the excitement of walking into the arena in their South African colours, performing in front of a global audience, and soaking up every moment of their time in Sofia.

Just hours after returning home, Hanna Chengiah, from Eden College Durban, was already back in the gym preparing for the SA Gym Games in October, where she has previously claimed top honours. She competed in Bulgaria despite injuries to her back and shin splints in both legs.

“I learnt that there’s always more to learn,” she said, impressed by the high standard of teams from around the world. A personal highlight for Hanna was meeting Bulgarian star Stiliana Nikolova, one of her role models in the sport.

Abigail Smulders, from Danville Park Girls' High School, said the lead-up to the competition was intense, with the girls spending every spare moment rehearsing their routines, while also fitting in schoolwork.

“My favourite part was the day after we competed, watching the finals. The top eight gymnasts in each apparatus were just incredible to see,” she said. “Another highlight was exploring the city with the team. I’m so grateful I got to share it with such an amazing group of girls. They feel like sisters to me now.”

Riley Gouws, from Our Lady of Fatima, said they trained up to 16 hours a week before leaving for Bulgaria. The hard work was demanding, but it paid off in team spirit and friendship.

“We all got really close. I’ve made friends I’ll keep for life,” she said. “One thing I’ve taken from this is that you need the right mindset to compete. If you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t perform your best.”

Thandolwethu Mthiyane, from Durban Girls' High School, was struck by how warmly South Africans are viewed in Bulgaria. She said it was an honour to represent the country abroad, but staying focused in a high-pressure environment was a challenge.

“There were so many distractions. You have to block everything else out and just remember why you’re there. Once you’ve finished your routine, that’s when you can take it all in.”

Naluthando Mbelu, from Maris Stella School,  known as the “mom” of the group and said their club routine was especially well received.

“The crowd loved it. We got so much applause,” she said. “We weren’t thinking about the scores, we were just proud to show people what we had prepared, and to represent South Africa.”

She also spoke about the financial effort behind getting the team to Europe; which cost about R50 000 for each of them. “Our parents worked like crazy to try and get us the money to go to Bulgaria.”

Their fundraising efforts included raffles, selling goods, donations, and Back-a-Buddy campaign. 

“This was my last competition as a junior. I turn 15 this year, so I’ll move into the senior level next year. Competing at the Junior World Championships for a second time was just incredible,”Naluthando said. 

Raelene Chengiah, Hanna’s mother, travelled with the girls and supported them during the trip. She described the moment they stepped onto the competition floor as “heartwarming and tear-jerking”.

“I just cried,” she said. “Watching them walk out there, after everything they’d put in, was overwhelming.”

She stayed in constant contact with the other parents back home, sending updates and keeping everyone in the loop.

Both the gymnasts and Chengiah praised their coaches - Kayleigh Koekemoer, Robyn Mueller and Tayla Henry, for their hard work, dedication, and support throughout the journey.