The stage is set for Oceania Rhythmic Championships

The road to the World Championships begins this week, with Oceania’s rhythmic gymnasts set to compete at the Oceania Rhythmic Championships in South Africa from 30 April to 2 May, alongside the African Championships.

With World Championships qualification on the line, the stakes are clear. The top-performing nation will secure an individual place.

Australia will field both group and individual athletes as they look to secure one of those positions. The senior group of Isabella Wang, Muk Yan Aggie Fan, Joselyn Cheung, Victoria Wei and Alina Yu will take to the floor, alongside individual competitors Alicia Tan, Sofia Hemmings and Polina Leonova.

Tan enters the Championships following a strong performance at the Junior World Championships, with Hemmings and Leonova adding depth to the Australian line-up.

New Zealand will be represented by Havana Hopman, who brings significant international experience, including appearances at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, along with a strong performance at the 2023 Oceania Championships.

In the lead up to the Championships, Hopman said she is looking forward to competing alongside new nations and sharing her gymnastics on an international stage.

“I’m really looking forward to the Oceania Championships being held alongside the African Championships. It will be our first experience competing alongside African nations, which will be both exciting and a great opportunity to learn.

“I’m also looking forward to sharing my gymnastics with a new audience. This competition is important as it gives New Zealand the chance to secure a spot at the 2026 World Championships in Frankfurt.”

Across three days of competition, athletes will be tested across hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon, with precision, control and execution critical to securing qualification.

Follow along via our website and social media for results and updates.