Namibia is back on the world stage, with Emilia Ekandjo spearheading the country’s challenge at the 42nd Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships from 12–16 August  in Germany.

The Namibian delegation touched down in Germany this morning ahead of the five-day global showpiece, which gets underway on Wednesday and runs until Sunday.

Ekandjo will line up alongside close to 300 of the world’s top rhythmic gymnasts representing more than 60 countries, marking her second consecutive appearance at the senior World Championships.

The Windhoek Rhythmic Club gymnast made history last year when she ended Namibia’s decade-long absence from the prestigious event, becoming the country’s first representative at the Worlds since 2014.

She returns this year determined to build on that breakthrough, with coach Wietsa Snyman once again in her corner. The Namibian delegation also includes experienced FIG Brevet rhythmic gymnastics judge Britt Adonis-Byl, who is set to make history of her own in Frankfurt.

Adonis-Byl’s appointment marks only her second World Championships judging assignment after previously officiating at the Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Bulgaria.

Her appearance in Germany is particularly significant for Namibian gymnastics, as she became the country’s first judge to officiate at the Junior Worlds.

Now, she is poised to become Namibia’s first judge to officiate at the senior World Championships.

With Ekandjo carrying Namibia’s hopes on the competition floor and Adonis-Byl breaking new ground on the judging panel, the country will once again have a presence among the sport’s global elite.

By Rudi Bowe