Young Mbombela gymnast Mariné Lombard shines at WAG National Championships

Young Mbombela gymnast Mariné Lombard made waves at the recent Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) National Championships, showcasing her talent and determination on the national stage. Competing in the over 14 Olympic entry category for the first time, Mariné finished third overall and stood out as the only gymnast to earn a medal in each of the four apparatuses.

The championships, held at Gymnastics South Africa’s Matsport Centre in Pretoria from March 21 to 23, drew gymnasts from across the country to compete in this prestigious event. Mariné, who trains at the Nelspruit Gymnastics Academy, impressed judges and spectators alike with her exceptional performance.

Despite facing a mishap on her favorite apparatus, the bar, Mariné managed to secure second place in vault and floor, and clinched the gold on the beam. Her consistency across all four apparatuses earned her the well-deserved third-place finish overall.

Reflecting on her achievement, Mariné expressed pride in her performance while acknowledging room for improvement. Her dedication to the sport and perseverance through challenges have not gone unnoticed, with her coaches Maré and Jaco Putter commending her outstanding performance and endurance.

Having competed in the level 9 category in 2023, Mariné’s transition to the Olympic entry level marks a significant step towards her goal of representing South Africa internationally. As the first gymnast from Mpumalanga to compete at this level, Mariné’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring gymnasts to follow in her footsteps and reach new heights in the sport.