At Gym Wizards, we believe that a great coach does so much more than teach skills. They inspire confidence, build resilience, celebrate progress and help every child discover what they are capable of achieving. And when it comes to Coach Matome Tshishonga, a former Springbok Olympic gymnast, affectionately known as Coach M, there is so much to celebrate!
Behind his warm smile, gentle nature and encouraging presence is an incredible sporting story filled with international competitions, outstanding achievements and years of dedication to the world of gymnastics.
But ask anyone who has seen him working with children, and you will quickly discover that his greatest strength is not only what he can do in the gym. It is the way he brings out the best in others.
From International Competitor to Inspirational Coach
Coach M’s gymnastics journey is nothing short of remarkable. Representing South Africa on the international stage from 2004 to 2012, he built an impressive competitive career in acrobatic gymnastics, competing against talented gymnasts from around the world.
His achievements include:
- 2006 World Championships, Portugal: Finished in fourth place, an outstanding achievement on the international stage.
- 2008: Qualified for the Olympic Games, marking an important milestone in his sporting journey.
- 2010 World Championships: Represented South Africa once again, finishing in seventh place.
- 2011 Gutenberg International Cup, Germany: Teamed up with Natalie Friesling to deliver an exceptional performance, achieving a personal best score of 83.120 and winning the trophy for the highest score of the event, taking first place.
- International Acro Cup, Belgium: Secured second place in international competition.
His performance in Germany in 2011 was particularly memorable. After facing strong international competition, Matome and Natalie returned determined to perform at their best. Their result demonstrated not only their technical ability, but also their determination, teamwork and commitment to excellence.
Contemporary reporting praised the South African gymnasts for their impressive skills, choreography and expressive performances. Matome, in particular, was recognised for his passionate and captivating stage presence.
These are the experiences that helped shape Coach M into the gymnast and coach he is today: years of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and a deep understanding of what it takes to keep working towards a goal.
Watch Coach M in Action
Want to see a glimpse of Matome’s competitive gymnastics career?
Watch this video from Orlando in 2012, one of the memorable stops along his international gymnastics journey.
Watch Coach M in Orlando in 2012 on YouTube
It is a wonderful reminder of the dedication, athleticism and performance skills that he brings to his coaching today.
Why We Are Proud to Have Coach M at Gym Wizards
At Gym Wizards, our coaches play an important role in creating an environment where children can develop physically, socially and emotionally while discovering the joy of gymnastics.
Coach M brings a unique combination of international sporting experience and a genuine passion for working with children. He understands the discipline required to achieve great things, but he also understands that every child’s journey is different.
He celebrates effort, encourages curiosity, builds confidence and helps make learning an exciting experience.
His story shows that being a champion is about more than standing on a podium. It is also about sharing what you have learned, inspiring the next generation and helping others realise their potential.
We are incredibly proud to have Coach M as part of the Gym Wizards family, and we look forward to seeing the confidence, skills and smiles he helps develop in our young gymnasts.
Because at Gym Wizards, every great gymnast starts with a little courage, a lot of practice and a coach who believes in them.
And Coach M does exactly that.
