SANTANYI MAGAZINE 08

Mª José Munar, born in Palma, was already eight years old when she started with this sport. It was sheer coincidence that a trainer discovered her at a neighbourhood party. “In short time I realized that RSG was something more than just a sport. It requires a lot of efforts, elegance and above all much dedication.” As early as the first year of competition she became the Balearic Champion. After that she continuously moved up the levels and every year she got on the podium in both, the Mallorquin and the Balearic Championships. At the age of 18 she started her coaching education. After three very hard and scarifying years she got her national coaching degree and since then she has been working for different clubs and schools, while she was preparing herself for the examination as referee on regional and national level. What’s the best age to start with this sport ? -The sooner the better. Our youngest gymnast is no more than three years old. In the past, in our club, you had to be at least five years old and this is still the minimum age to take part in competitions.- How many hours do the girls normally train ? -The gymnasts of school age are exercising three times per week two hours and on Saturdays they undergo a longer and more intensive training of four hours. Obviously, the higher the level the more you have to train. - Which are the different competitive classes ? -The competitive classes are divided according to the age and the level. In competitions we find the following classes: Initiation, Benjamin, Alevin, Infantile, Cadet and Juvenile. The initiation level starts with five years. - GYMNASTiC ANGELS Interview with María José Munar, coach of the rhythmic gymnastic team of the Sport Club Tolleric María Motta Santanyí magazine ···12