Young man flips into the world stage

By Patrick Makinita

Kobamo Keameditse is a name fast becoming synonymous with excellence in tumbling, not only in the North West but on the international stage.

The Mmabana Mahikeng product began tumbling in 2018 while still in Grade 1. What started as playful movement quickly evolved into a disciplined pursuit, revealing a rare blend of energy, balance and athletic instinct.

From early days of flipping on the floor and practising somersaults at home, Keameditse showed unmistakable signs of natural talent. That promise soon translated into competitive success.

In 2022, he earned his first national team call-up and represented South Africa at the Region 5 Championships, where he walked away with a team gold medal. A year later, he tested himself against the world’s best in the United Kingdom, finishing 14th globally.

Keameditse’s upward trajectory continued in 2025 when he once again secured national selection and represented South Africa at the World Age Group Championships in Spain. Competing against 26 international athletes, he finished an impressive 17th, cementing his status as one of the country’s most consistent young tumblers.

At home, his medal record speaks volumes. He claimed silver medals at national championships in 2022 and 2023, struck gold in 2024, and returned to the podium with silver again in 2025.

Despite his growing list of achievements, Keameditse remains grounded and intensely focused on his craft. He says tumbling is not just a sport but his entire world.

“Everything I do is tumbling. I don’t participate in any other sport than tumbling. My love for tumbling was an idea of my dad because he used to show me videos. I then fell in love with tumbling and I never looked back ever since. I wish to be on the wall of fame of great tumblers in the world,” said Keameditse.

He is not alone in making waves. Keameditse credits his teammates for giving him courage and motivation, describing 2025 as one of the greatest years of his young career, highlighted by his selection for the international championships in Spain.

His coach, Thabiso Molawe, believes the young tumbler’s success is no accident.

Molawe described Keameditse as energetic, talented and deeply committed, saying his work ethic sets him apart.

“It is easy to work with Kobamo. He is a fast learner with great determination. He proved from an early age that he is a force to be reckoned with in tumbling. He worked his way up, and participating at international level says it all about him. He is focused and works hard to reach the top,” said Molawe.