Olympic gymnast graduates from UJ
Growing up as an athlete in a minority sport, Caitlin Rooskrantz has long understood the challenges of underrepresentation. 'That's something I became very passionate about over the years as a gymnast,' she explained. 'It's also why I chose to study marketing – so I can one day empower young athletes, in all kinds of sports, to grow their personal brands and create a meaningful presence.'
Read more: Gold Reef Rhythmic Gymnastics Club gymnasts strut their stuff on the international stage
Her decision to pursue a BCom in Marketing Management was driven by a desire to change how minority sports are perceived and supported. In May, that vision took a significant step forward, when Caitlin graduated from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The moment was shared with her closest supporters – her parents and long-time coach, Ilse Pelser.
She reflected on how special the day was, as she marked the occasion in a cream dress with a bow detail, also wearing an Olympic pendant necklace in honour of her sporting journey. In 2024, Rooskrantz represented South Africa at the Paris Olympic Games, proudly serving as one of team SA's flag bearers during the opening ceremony.
'It was my first graduation, so, I didn't know what to expect,' she said. 'But having my parents, and Coach Ilse, there made it unforgettable. Coach Ilse has been with me for 15 years. Sharing that moment with her and my family was incredibly meaningful.' Rooskrantz admits that the past three years were some of the most challenging of her life, both academically and athletically, but they were also among the most rewarding.
Also read: These 3 Gold Reef Rhythmic Gymnastics Club gymnasts had a great 2024
A two-time Olympian, World Cup gold medalist, and African champion, Rooskrantz has always approached life with discipline. Since high school, she's juggled intense gym sessions – six days a week, four hours a day – with academic commitments. 'This routine started in high school and helped prepare me for the much heavier university workload.'
Time management was key. Rooskrantz would co-ordinate with her coach every semester, carefully planning her training and academic schedule. 'As a high-performing athlete, you can't cut training hours and expect the same results. You have to plan smartly and put in the work.'
Her typical day included an early two-hour gym session, a full day of university classes, followed by another three hours of training in the evening. She also worked closely with her lecturers to stay ahead of assignments and coursework – especially when travelling for competitions, using her free time, even while travelling, to catch up or get ahead on schoolwork. 'It was demanding, especially during the competition season, but with the right support, and a strong work ethic, I made it work.'
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