Sisters Naveen and Zelmé Daries Make History in Glasgow

Inside a brown-brick building in Johannesburg's Newlands suburb, two sisters are preparing to share one of the biggest moments of their athletic lives together.

Naveen Daries, 24, and her younger sister Zelmé, 21, are both heading to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. For Naveen, it's her third appearance at the international competition, but for Zelmé, it's a dream she wasn't always sure she wanted to chase.

The sisters started gymnastics differently. Naveen found her calling at six years old and never looked back, training before and after school with unwavering focus. Zelmé tagged along as a three-year-old and showed promise, but struggled with the sacrifices required for elite gymnastics.

"I didn't know how to balance it," Zelmé admitted. While Naveen thrived in a home-schooling environment designed for high-performance athletes, Zelmé wanted a more traditional teenage experience with regular school, various sports, and weekend hangouts with friends.

After high school, something shifted. Zelmé fully committed to gymnastics on her own terms, supported by a patient family who gave her space to choose her path. "My mom was always there, saying, 'It's okay, it may not be your time,'" she recalled.

Why This Inspires

The Daries sisters prove that success doesn't follow the same timeline for everyone. Zelmé's journey shows that taking time to figure out what you want isn't failure—it's part of finding genuine commitment. She has since won multiple regional titles, competed at World Championships, and earned the Women's Artistic Gymnastics High Performance national title this year.

The sisters have become each other's greatest teachers. Naveen learned perseverance from watching Zelmé push through mental barriers, while Zelmé credits her older sister with teaching her patience and grace during setbacks. "Naveen has got me through the hardest times, even though she might not know it," Zelmé shared.

Now Zelmé uses visualization techniques before competitions, mentally completing 10 "clean rounds" of vault, bar, beam, and floor. The night before big events, she applies a face mask and imagines herself executing every skill perfectly.

As they prepare to compete side by side in Glasgow, both sisters are savoring the moment. "She's my bestie, and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else, especially for my first one," Zelmé said, beaming.

Sometimes the best path forward isn't the straightest one, and sometimes your biggest cheerleader shares your last name.