While gymnastics might be a very rare sight in many local communities, its benefits are undeniable, especially for young children. Durban North is among those privileged areas to have the sport.
Michelle Flynn, founder of the Head Over Heels Gymnastics, says she was inspired to start teaching the sport to toddlers due to the amount of joy it brought to her own life.
“I saw a need for a class for toddlers that focused on gross motor skills and fundamental movement skills which is vitally important for the developing child. Having had very busy and active children myself, my goal was to offer something for the active child that was both beneficial and fun,” she said.
Watching children grow in confidence, coordination, and character have been Michelle’s motivation since she started hosting her classes.
“That transformation is incredibly powerful and rewarding. The bond created between the parent and the child in our classes is a huge motivator, what is better than watching memories being made?”
Flynn started gymnastics at a young age and instantly fell in love with the sport.She says it taught her focus, perseverance, and a way of pushing through challenges.
She decided to open these classes after she obtained her South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) coaches’ qualification.
The ‘gym mom’ to her children, who also shared her passion for the sport, says she spent many years watching the highs and lows of her children competing.
She discovered her natural connection with toddlers and her passion for teaching when she began assisting with junior classes for their main club, Durban North Gymnastics Club.
Her mission to instill a lifelong love for movement, discipline and self-belief is already underway. “Gymnastics is just the beginning — the lessons they learn in class can carry into every aspect of life: school, relationships, careers. I want my students to know they are capable of hard things, and that with effort and patience, growth always comes. I also hope to foster a sense of community and belonging that stays with them long after they leave the gym”.
Her hope is to be remembered for building character, resilience, and confidence in every chat she have coached.
“I hope to be remembered as someone who created a safe, uplifting space where kids felt seen, valued, and inspired to be their best selves—on and off the mat.”
Head Over Heels is now a great feeder for the successful Durban North Gymnastics Club which has produced talents who, some of them, are now national champions.
