Jamaican rhythmic gymnasts dominate at Torneo Las Flores in Costa Rica

A young Jamaican rhythmic gymnastics team representing Nila’s Academy delivered an impressive performance at the Torneo Las Flores competition in Costa Rica, returning home with a remarkable medal haul after competing against athletes from across the world.

The international tournament brought together approximately 260 athletes from 23 clubs across nine countries including host country Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Azerbaijan, creating a competitive environment for the young gymnasts, many of whom were competing on the global stage for the first time.

After months of training and preparation, the Jamaican delegation, coached by Nileyam Molina and Hidahilda Simón Rodríguez, arrived in Costa Rica on May 11 and began preparations with training sessions on May 12. On May 13 and 14, the athletes participated in masterclasses led by Olympic gymnast Polina Berezina, providing the team with invaluable exposure to elite-level coaching and technique.

Competition officially began on May 15, with Jamaican athletes immediately making their mark.

In Level 3 competition, Eliana McCallister (age 8) secured second place on floor, fourth on ball, and third overall. Spirits were high in the Jamaican camp after McCallister’s performance set the mood and tone for the team.

Teammate Isabella Campbell (age 10), competing in level 4, later earned fourth on floor, second on rope, fifth on hoop, and fifth overall in her group.

One of the standout moments of the tournament came during the May 16 gala showcase, where the Jamaican team performed a high-energy routine to Watch Out Fi Dis by Major Lazer. The performance drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd, with audience members dancing, clapping, and cheering throughout the routine — a proud cultural moment for both the athletes and supporters travelling with the team.

The younger gymnasts also delivered exceptional results.

In Level 1 Group A (ages 5–6), Daniella Campbell earned second on floor, Sanasya Fuller captured third, Solei Chuck finished fourth, and Azoriah McCallister placed fifth.

In Level 1 Group C (age 6), Megumi Gordon secured first place on floor, while Leia Anderson took second place.

Jamaica continued its strong showing in Level 1 Group B (ages 6–8), where Reina Bailey captured first place on floor. Teammate Zaylee Kong earned third place, while Abigail Hoo Fung finished fourth.

The Level 2 athletes (ages 8-10) also delivered multiple podium finishes.

Ariana Bromfield secured second in hoop, fourth on floor, and fourth overall. Penelope Stroup earned second on floor, third in hoop, and third overall, while Versaunia Brown placed second on floor, fourth on hoop, and fifth overall. Giselle Buchanan also impressed with third on floor, third in hoop, and third overall.

Among the tournament’s most dominant performances was that of Celina Chang (age 10) in Level 3, who captured first place on floor, first place on ball, and first overall in her division. Teammate Kennedi Price (age 10) also excelled, earning first on floor, third on ball, and second overall.

The team departed Costa Rica on May 18 carrying not only medals, but also valuable international experience and growing confidence as rhythmic gymnastics continues to gain momentum in Jamaica.

The performance reflects the increasing development of the sport locally and the dedication of the athletes, coaches and parents who continue to invest in Jamaica’s emerging rhythmic gymnastics talent.

The national team next heads to Panama in November 1-8.

Nila’s Academy gymnasts (Front row, from left:) Celina Chang, Abigail Hoo Fong, Zaylee Kong, Megumi Gordon, Daniella Campbell, Leia Anderson, Solei Chuck, Sanasya Fuller, Reina Bailey, Azoriah McCallister, Isabella Campbell. Back row, from left: Kennedi Price, Ariana Bromfield, Penelope Stroup, Giselle Buchanan, Versaunia Brown, Eliana McCallister. The group recently participated at the Torneo Las Flores in Costa Rica.