Growing up as an athlete in a minority sport, Caitlin Rooskrantz has long understood the challenges of underrepresentation.

“That’s something I became very passionate about over the years as a gymnast,” she explains. “It’s also why I chose to study Marketing—so I can one day empower young athletes in all kinds of sports to grow their personal brands and create a meaningful presence.”

Her decision to pursue a BCom in Marketing Management was driven by a desire to change how minority sports are perceived and supported. In May 2025, that vision took a significant step forward when Caitlin graduated from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The moment was shared with her closest supporters—her parents and long-time coach, Ilse Pelser.

“It was a really special day,” Caitlin reflects. She marked the occasion in a cream dress with a bow detail, wearing an Olympic pendant necklace in honour of her sporting journey.

In 2024, Caitlin represented South Africa at the Paris Olympic Games as a star gymnast and proudly served as one of Team SA’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony.

“It was my first graduation, so I didn’t know what to expect—but having my parents and Coach Ilse there made it unforgettable,” she says. “Coach Ilse has been with me for 15 years. Sharing that moment with her and my family was incredibly meaningful.”

Balancing academics and elite sport

Caitlin admits that the past three years were some of the most challenging of her life—both academically and athletically. But they were also among the most rewarding.

A two-time Olympian, World Cup gold medallist, and African champion, Caitlin has always approached life with discipline. Since high school, she’s juggled intense gym sessions—six days a week, four hours a day—with academic commitments.

“This routine started in high school and helped prepare me for the much heavier university workload,” she says.

Time management was key. Caitlin would coordinate with her coach every semester, carefully planning her training and academic schedule.

“As a high-performing athlete, you can’t cut training hours and expect the same results. You have to plan smartly and put in the work.”

Her typical day included an early two-hour gym session, a full day of university classes, followed by another three hours of training in the evening. She also worked closely with her lecturers to stay ahead of assignments and coursework—especially when travelling for competitions.

“I used my free time, even while travelling, to catch up or get ahead on schoolwork. It was demanding, especially during the competition season, but with the right support and a  hard working spirit, I made it work.”

Looking Ahead

Upon returning from the 2024 Olympics, Caitlin took a break to complete her degree and to recover both mentally and physically. She has since resumed training and started working to gain experience in the marketing field.

“I knew I couldn’t study, work, and train all at once. I didn’t want to burn out,” she says. “So, I’m using the next year or two to explore the field and gain a clearer understanding of where I want to specialise.”

Once she’s confident about her chosen direction, Caitlin plans to pursue postgraduate studies.

“When I know which path I want to take, I’ll do my Honours.”

Her advice to other students navigating university life is simple but powerful:

“Time management, discipline, and accountability are everything. It’s not going to be easy. But if you schedule everything, getting through the week becomes manageable. Start with a strong routine, build momentum—and keep it going.”