From five-year-old novice to African Champion: Daniel McLean dominates in Cameroon

Daniel McLean has recently been crowned African Champion at the 19th African Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The 20-year-old delivered a standout individual performance in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) division.

“Walking onto the floor in Cameroon for the final, I knew that if I hit my routine cleanly, there was a real chance of medalling. After my first tumble pass, I could already feel it was going to be a good routine. From there, I just focused on staying composed and giving my best performance,” said McLean.

His individual medal followed a successful campaign for the senior men where, earlier in the competition, the squad consisting of McLean, Travis Giles, Kadin Chester, and Ruan Lange scooped a well-earned bronze medal in the team standings.

“It doesn’t change the overall plan, but it definitely motivates me even more and reassures me that I’m capable of competing at that level. Over the next two years, the goal is to qualify for the 2027 World Championships and hopefully secure Olympic qualification either there or through the World Cup events next year. It’s a very exciting journey ahead.”

The gymnast tells Eyewitness News the main goal, whether competing as a team or individually, is to always perform at his best and trust in his training.

“It requires a slightly different mindset, but the main goal stays the same, perform my best and trust my training. With the team, the energy around you is incredibly motivating. You want to perform for your teammates, too. But in an individual final, it becomes your personal moment. That’s probably the biggest mindset shift for me.”

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) student-athlete’s time in the elite tier of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics has been defined by a steady ascent through the international ranks. Since 2019, he has been a fixture on the world stage, representing South Africa with distinction.

“Gymnastics is extremely demanding, both mentally and physically, and mental strength gets built over many years. Kevin Basson and Derick Scholtz have given me all the tools I’ve needed to grow as both an athlete and a person. There was definitely tough love involved, this sport requires discipline and resilience, especially at the highest level.

But what I appreciate most is that on difficult days they don’t try to break me down. They encourage me, motivate me, and remind me that bad days are part of the process. Those conversations are what have built my mental resilience, and I’m very grateful for their support.”

In 2019, he competed in the Olympic Hopes Cup in the Czech Republic. In 2022, he represented the country in the African Championships in Cairo as part of the Junior Olympic Team. In 2023, McLean competed in the Junior World Championships in Turkey.

“It was an incredibly proud moment. Representing your country is something every athlete dreams of, and earning my Protea colours is an achievement I’ll always be grateful for. It’s a huge honour and definitely one of the proudest moments of my career so far,” says McLean about earning his Protea colours.

The “Orange Army” athlete began his gymnastics journey at the age of five, inspired by his older sister who had received a free trial lesson at a gymnastics club.

“I got into gymnastics at five. My older sister went for a free trial lesson at Visions Gymnastics, and growing up, everything she did I wanted to do too. My mom arranged a trial for me as well, and from that moment I fell in love with the sport. The rest is history.”

The athlete, who looks up to legendary Japanese gymnast Kohei Uchimura, says he hopes the younger generation will believe in their dreams and remember that it’s important to have fun while competing at every level.

“I hope my success shows the younger generation that you really can achieve anything you set your mind to through hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself. No one can want success for you more than you want it for yourself.

But I also think it’s important to enjoy the sport and have fun genuinely—that’s what keeps you motivated through both the good and difficult moments. The medals will come through consistency and hard work, but the most important thing is that the sport continues to bring you joy.”