Michel’le Solomons

 is a grade 8 student at the SS de Duine in Walvis Bay.

She is 14 years of age and started doing gymnastics at the tender age of seven.

‘Being a gymnast goes hand in hand with being diligent and a dedicated sport woman.

A routine in one of disciplines does not only take my God-given talent,

it also takes practice, practice and more practice’, she says.

Michel’le is competitive in 3 different gymnastics disciplines,

being Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline and Tumbling.

She trains 3 hours a day at the Walvis Bay Gymnastics Club with both

coaches Vesselin Kostin and Dongina Risser.

Gymnastics has installed a variety of qualities in her such as self-confidence, self-motivation, courage and respect.

‘I want to reach the highest level of performance to the best of my potential.

I want to reach a level where I can compete internationally.

I am striving for and to be the best’.

Her biggest achievement to date is being named as the best junior gymnast in the whole of Namibia.

She represented Namibia for the first time in 2005.

Her role model is definitely her mom who has been there for her from the start.

‘She inspires and motivates me.

She is always there to encourage me.’

My message to the youth is that they should refrain from indecent behaviour, alcohol abuse, drugs and from all negative influences.

‘Find a sport you love and rather involve yourself in something productive.’