Simone Marx

My love for gymnastics began at the age of five, and from that very first moment on the mat, the sport became a lifelong passion. Over the years, dedication and hard work led me to achieve six national titles and the honour of representing South Africa twice at the Region 5 Competition. Both times I was proud to stand on the podium for all five apparatuses – a testament to the resilience and joy I found in the sport.
In 2002, I shifted my focus from competing to guiding the next generation of gymnasts. Since then, I have qualified as a Level 3 Judge and a FIG Level 1 Coach, and I am currently coaching athletes ranging from Level 6 to Senior Olympic gymnasts. Watching gymnasts grow in confidence and skill is one of my greatest rewards. I also run adult gymnastics classes, because I believe the sport has something valuable to offer at every age and stage of life.
Alongside my gymnastics career, I am also a teacher at Paarl Girls’ High School, where I have been teaching Grade 4–7 learners for the past three years. Combining my BA in Sport Science with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Intermediate and Senior Phase) allows me to bring both structure and creativity into the classroom and the gym.
Above all, my mission is to inspire athletes and learners alike – young and old – to discover their potential, embrace challenges, and experience the joy that comes from growth, movement, and learning.