As the 2025 FIG World Gymnastics Championships begin in Jakarta, South Africa’s Buhle Nhleko is set to make her debut on one of the sport’s biggest stages. For the 20-year-old gymnast, this moment marks both a personal milestone and another step forward in a steadily progressing career.
From Paris to Jakarta – Building Experience and Confidence
Nhleko arrives at the World Championships following a valuable outing at the World Challenge Cup in Paris last month, where she competed in the Vault and Floor routines. She finished in the top 16 on Vault with a score of 12.750, and added a 10.466 on Floor, performances that she hopes to build on in Jakarta.
“Paris was both preparation and opportunity,” she explained before leaving for Worlds. “The goal is to focus on being the best I can possibly be and to improve on my last scores with clean, confident routines.”
It’s a calm and measured approach from an athlete who understands the long game of international competition — one built on consistency, experience, and steady progress.
Representing South Africa with Purpose
For Nhleko, the World Championships are not only about her own routines, but also about contributing to the growing visibility of gymnastics in South Africa.
“In South Africa there’s not much exposure when it comes to the sport,” she said. “We have so much talent, but without exposure, opportunities are limited. Competing on big stages like this is about more than us — it’s about showing young gymnasts back home what’s possible.”
Her words reflect a broader purpose that many of South Africa’s gymnasts share — to use international events as a platform to inspire and encourage the next generation.
Balancing Difficulty, Precision, and Wellbeing
Team South Africa has been focused on gradually increasing the difficulty of their routines, a balancing act between technical ambition and execution. For Nhleko, that process is guided by trust and discipline.
“It’s all about trusting the process,” she explained. “You have to build recovery into your training just as much as the work itself. If you manage both the marginal gains and the recovery, then everything comes together.”
It’s a practical mindset that reflects maturity beyond her years, combining careful preparation with an understanding of the body’s limits in a demanding sport.
Supported by an Experienced Team
Although this will be her first World Championships, Nhleko is surrounded by experience and support. The South African team includes Olympians Caitlin Rooskrantz and Naveen Daries, and all three are coached by Ilse Pelser at the JGC Gymnastics Club in Johannesburg.
“We’ve become very familiar with each other — we know what each of us needs, whether it’s some quiet time or a bit of motivation,” Nhleko said with a smile. “We’ve grown so close; I think we see each other more than we see our families,” she joked.
Looking Ahead to Jakarta
Heading to Indonesia for the first time, Nhleko is embracing the experience with gratitude and quiet excitement. “I’m incredibly excited, so grateful and thankful for this opportunity,” she said. “I hear it’s warm there too — I’m looking forward to that.”
At just 20, Nhleko’s inclusion in the South African team speaks to her steady rise within the sport. With her work ethic, composure, and growing international experience, she continues to be a promising figure in South African gymnastics — one whose journey is only just beginning.
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