Category Archives: Gymnastics

Honoured to be featuring this talented gymnast – Happy Ledwaba. He is hard working, dedicated and kept to his guns and remained in in a sport that he was mocked at as being a girl’s sport. Now he is competing on top world arenas – shows that one must follow the deep passion and desire within to excel in what you love. He is deeply grounded in his faith in God. He says “I’m just a happy person I cannot even spend five minutes without smiling and I  love making people feel special and good about themselves. I’m a hard working person, a go getter, friendly, patient and very observant. I would really love to touch people’s lives in ensuring that I made them see a purpose to life and believe in themselves”.

INTERVIEW:

Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Aerobic Gymnastics tell me a little bit about how you started in Aerobic Gymnastics and your journey in the Aerobic Gymnastics arena up to now?

I started my career at the tender age of 11. I was in grade five then started out at Tshenolo Primary School (in Letlhabile) and I was introduced to this type of sports which I had always thought it was some sort of dance routine. I was selected to be part of the national team in 2010. I felt so happy and I knew it was the beginning of good and great things in my sporting career. That really made me work hard to achieve more in life. I was introduced to it by Ms Mothibe, my class teacher because I was very naughty and always caught doing cartwheels and splits because those made me feel cool. Back then it used to be called general gymnastics. It was not every day when boys were participating in such sport, in fact one would be mocked if seen having interested in the sport as it was labelled a girls sport. However people’s reaction did not stop me from continuing pursuing the love I had for it. It was through meeting my current coach Alta Lategan in 2005 who was able to make more developments. I competed in my first African Championships in 2012 when South Africa was the host country and I came 3^rd. At the age of 13 I was awarded an award while competing in Cape Town. I further received my first gold medal in 2005. Now I’m competing in big tournaments such as African and World Championships, world cup series and hoping World Games next year.

Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Aerobic Gymnastics and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?

My highest accolade in Aerobic gymnastic was to compete in the world championship stage with the best athletes in the world and my highest personal achievement would have to be making team for African Games that were held in Congo Brazzaville and winning the trio category and the team.

Q: You were just in Korea – What competition was it?  How did you experience it? Lesson learned?

 I was in Korea for World Championships. It was an amazing experience to compete with the best and not just that only but to have fun and make friends which is very crucial in this form of art. Lesson learnt would be how amazing your body and mind can work together only by positive thinking, strength and attitude towards the tournament.

Q: Why do you have so much love and respect for your coach?

I have so much love and respect for my coach because she is more like my other mother and was able to invest in me so much and most of all she believed in my art.

Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?

I personally believe that education is a must have, not to only youth stars but everyone as the iconic Nelson Mandela once stated that “education is not just a key to success but a weapon to change the world.

Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?

I may not go to church as often as I would like BUT I always have time spiritually with God firstly in thanking Him in the  creature that I am today, always asking for His guidance and honestly I believe that I wouldn’t be writing this interview today if it wasn’t of His grace. More especially if I step on stage I usually say “God let Your will be done” and hope for the best.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I love music so most of the time I relax with music, hanging around friends or have those unforgettable conversations with mom.

Q: One thing about you that the world does not know 🙂

One thing the world has to know is that I’m extremely shy but I hide it very well with my happy persona.

Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?

It always seems impossible until it is done. That’s one of my favourites.

Q: What is your favourite Bible / Scripture quote?

Proverbs 8:25 says A generous person will prosper whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Q: In your opinion, how do you define success in life?

Successful person is someone who goes for what they want and achieve it despite of their race, background and sexuality because that doesn’t define any being.

Q: What’s your WHY ?  

I do what I do because of love. I think I’m going to give our youth in South Africa hope about life, setting goals and working  ten times harder to achieve, always praying for guidance and most of all having fun while living with no regrets. Always leave a room for disappointments and note that all floss is not to break you but to build you in becoming a better or greater athlete. Keep in mind that in sportsmanship where there’s no pain there’s no gain.

Thank you for the opportunity of voicing out my talent.                                                      

Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!

NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.