Pictured - Onalenna McGuire
By Katleho Malangabe
Kimberley
– When they say Staatsies are built different, they mean learners like Onalenna McGuire. The young athlete from Laerskool Staats (Staats Primary School) is quickly becoming one of the Northern Cape’s brightest gymnastics talents, with a journey marked by consistent excellence, hard work and determination.
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We’re going bigger and better this year
Onalenna first made her mark by taking first place at Level 04 during the Circuit Gymnastics Competition in Durban. She followed that up with another strong performance at the Northern Cape Qualifying Competition in Kimberley, where she proved her quality and earned her full Northern Cape colours.
Now the next chapter awaits as Onalenna will represent the Northern Cape at a prestigious national competition in Bellville, Cape Town, from 23 to 30 September 2026. Stepping onto that stage is a major achievement for any young athlete and reflects the hours of training, focus and support behind her success.Hard work.
Dedication and Determination – Those are her values. Her school community, coaches and family have played a big role in her progress and will be firmly behind her as she prepares for Cape Town. She told the Pixley Independent that to her this is more than just another competition. It is a chance to show the rest of the country what Northern Cape talent looks like when given the opportunity to shine. Onalenna is already a star – carrying the hopes of her school and province with quiet confidence and putting the Northern Cape on the map.
