RAY MEAS FINISHES 6TH IN THE PORTUGAL WORLD CUP

Our superstar, Ray Meas, finished 6th in the finals of the Portugal Aerobics World Cup event on Sunday 20th May. Ray competed against a very strong field just two weeks before the Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships, in the perfect preparation competition. Ray qualified for the finals in 8th place beating two Russian gymnasts for the last spot in the finals. Correcting his mistakes from qualifications in the finals, Ray scored the 5th highest score together with a French gymnast, but ended 6th after the tie-breaker. This is a brilliant result and we are extremely proud of Ray.

Ray, who hails from Ottery, is a third year student at the University of Stellenbosch studying medicine, and has had to prepare for these competitions in between his full time studies, being on call and travelling through to Southfield, where the club is based, to train. He has also done a lot of his preparation alone, as his coach has recently given birth. Ray is an inspiration to all amateur athletes, showing that with a strong will and drive, and good time management, you can achieve all your dreams and goals!

Ray and Flairs Gymnastics would like to thank Eickhoff (Pty) Ltd, the South African Gymnastics Federation and Macsteel Maestros of the Future who assisted Ray financially to attend both this World Cup and the World Championships. The City of Cape Town also assists in providing a facility for Ray to train on the international floor, which is critical to his preparation. The University of Stellenbosch has also been extremely supportive of Ray being overseas for three weeks to represent his country.

Ray was accompanied to Portugal by coach Elize Jahn from Pretoria, who also accompanied him at the World Championship trials earlier in the year and Susan Potgieter from George who judged at the competition. Both officials have been a fantastic support to Ray in Portugal. Ray now heads to Bulgaria, where he will train for a week with international coach Gerogi Sergiev before meeting up with the rest of the South African team who arrive Saturday 26th May.