Walvis Bay Gymnast Noa Lofty-Eaton is taking her career to the highest levels of international trampoline competition after representing Namibia at the 6th AERE Trampoline World Cup in Riccione, Italy.

The longstanding Walvis Bay Gymnastics Club athlete and African Championships medallist competed in the Senior Women’s division from 2 to 4 October, lining up against athletes from 18 countries.

Currently studying and training in the Netherlands, Lofty-Eaton is building valuable international experience as she pursues a demanding three-event competition programme. The Riccione World Cup was the first of three major international assignments on her calendar. Her attention now turns to the next World Cup in Cottbus, Germany, before she heads to Nanjing, China, for the Trampoline World Championships.

The Namibia Gymnastics Federation (NGF) has praised Lofty-Eaton’s continued progress on the international stage and acknowledged the support behind her campaign. Particular appreciation was extended to the Dutch Gymnastics Federation (KNGU) and coach Lennard Villafuerte, who accompanied and supported Lofty-Eaton in Italy.

The NGF also thanked Marion Sorman, Voorzitter Trampoline at KNGU, for assisting with preparations and arrangements surrounding the campaign. For Walvis Bay, Lofty-Eaton’s progress represents another example of a local athlete competing at the highest level beyond Namibia’s borders.

With two major international events still ahead, the gymnast now has Germany and China firmly in her sights as she continues her push on the world stage.

By Rudi Bowe