Gymnast’s dream did not materialise

Rudi Bowe 

The two teenagers Thalia Loveira (18) and Carané van Zyl (17) from Walvis Bay Private High School’s big dream of qualifying as trampoline gymnasts for the 2021 Olympic Games did not materialise.

Loveira and Carané eliminated gymnast from South Africa, Algeria and Angola in the elimination round to qualify for the finals at the final qualification round for the Tokyo Olympics.
In final in Cairo, Thalia and Carané went up against the two older Egyptian competitors – with each gymnast only having a single jumping opportunity.
The decision on who would be awarded the only Olympic place for Africa was in the hands of a panel of international judges, who placed the two Egyptians first and second with their points award, followed by Loveira and Van Zyl third and fourth respectively.
Loveira and Van Zyl, who are both equally skilled as tumble gymnasts, will now only have to set their sights on events such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, or the world championships in their age group.
The judges told the Namibians that they do have a lot of talent and that this is not the end of the road for them. They just need to work hard and stay motivated.