Luanda: Gymnast Luana Gomes on Tuesday night secured the gold medal in the international tournament of independence, excelling in the individual rhythmic all-around in the senior category. The event, held at the Kilamba Multipurpose Pavilion in Luanda, saw Gomes achieving the highest score in the mace apparatus with 25.10 points. She also scored 24.0 in the circle, 22.70 in the ball, and 21.40 in the ribbon. According to Angola Press News Agency, Luana Gomes is currently the reigning African champion, a title she earned in 2024 during a competition in Rwanda where she amassed six medals, including one gold, two silver, and three bronze. This recent victory adds to Angola's medal tally, which also includes a silver won by Brígida Gouveia in the junior category on the same day. The competition saw the 22-year-old Gomes outperforming her rivals, with Brazilian competitor Letícia da Costa coming in second place. Da Costa accumulated scores of 20.30 in both the circle and ball, 18.0 in mace, and 17.60 in ribbon. The third position was claimed by Namibian gymnast Emília Ekandjo, who achieved scores of 19.10 in the circle, 17.60 in mace, and 18.50 in ribbon. The event is part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Angola's National Independence, which was proclaimed on 11 November 1975. Gymnasts from Angola, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Portugal participated in the competition, showcasing their talents and honoring the historic milestone.
