The Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) has dispatched a contingent of gymnasts from the Namibia Gymnastics Federation to compete in the Continental Olympic Qualification African Championships. This multi-country event is scheduled to kick off on the 25th of this month, spanning across Morocco, Rwanda, and Tunisia.

At a press conference held at the Office of the Namibia National Olympic Committee in Windhoek, it was announced that 16 gymnasts will represent Namibia in rhythmic, artistic, and trampoline gymnastics categories. These competitions serve as vital Olympic qualifiers, with the ultimate goal of securing berths for Namibia at the upcoming Olympics.

The Namibia Gymnastics Federation, the sole organization officially recognized by both the NNOC and the Namibian Sports Commission to oversee gymnastics in Namibia, is facilitating the participation of these gymnasts.

The team is brimming with optimism regarding their prospects, having undergone intensive training and preparation to ensure peak performance during the competitions. Anne-Leen Thorburn, representing Artistic Gymnastics, expressed her determination to showcase her skills honed through rigorous practice, stating, "I just want to show the world what we are capable of."

Emilia Ekandjo, from the Rhythmic Gymnastics discipline, shared her excitement, emphasizing her dedication to training and her joy at the opportunity to participate: "I am really excited and ecstatic because I have trained for hours, and I am really happy that I will be able to participate."

Noa Lofty-Eaton, representing Trampoline Gymnastics, articulated her profound desire to qualify for the Olympics, underscoring the significance of this opportunity: "It’s my biggest wish in the world to qualify for the Olympics, and I hope I will qualify."

With determination, skill, and ambition driving them, these gymnasts are poised to represent Namibia with distinction on the continental stage, aiming to secure coveted spots at the Olympic Games.