Arthur, Katsov earn bronze medals in Acrobatic World Championships

By Will Johnson, Sports Editor
Posted 7/7/21

Mo Arthur and Ariana Katsov are no strangers to international competitions.

After being selected to the 2018 United States National Acrobatics Team, this pair has competed in various competitions …

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Arthur, Katsov earn bronze medals in Acrobatic World Championships

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Mo Arthur and Ariana Katsov are no strangers to international competitions.

After being selected to the 2018 United States National Acrobatics Team, this pair has competed in various competitions on foreign soil.

This past week, these girls participated in the crème-de-la-crème of international meets during the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships held from June 22 through July 4 in Geneva, Switzerland.

On Sunday, June 27, the girls took to the mat at the Vernets Sports Complex in Geneva, Switzerland.

Performing a strong balance routine the girls found themselves in 11th place out of 14 pairs.

Day two saw them bring their “A” game with a thrilling dynamic routine.

At the end of day two of competition, they were sitting in the ninth place. The top eight finishing pairs made it to finals.

Arthur and Katsov were afraid that their run at a World medal was coming to an end.

However, competition rules state that one country cannot have two pairs in the top eight.

Russia had two pairs make it to finals finishing in the top eight.

One of the Russian teams were eliminated bumping Arthur and Katsov into the eighth slot and the final round of the competition.

They were fourth to compete in the final round of competition. Their combined routine to “Rise” by Katy Perry, was executed with precision and beauty. The girls were able to secure the bronze medal for Team USA with a score of 27.4. They missed the gold medal by .35 points.

Acrobatic gymnastics is the lesser known, yet equally impressive branch that falls under the umbrella of USA Gymnastics.

Acrobatic gymnastics, or “Acro” for short, is performed in women’s pairs, women’s trios, mixed pairs, men’s pairs, or men’s quads.

Athletes perform a balance routine, consisting of hand-balancing, feet balancing, handstanding, and even head balancing, as well as a dynamic routine.

The dynamic routine showcases the throws, catches, flips, and turns. Each routine also incorporates dance and tumbling elements. Scores are totaled and high-ranking finalists then perform a combined routine which contains elements of the balance and dynamic routines.

Arthur and Katsov are part of the Mid-America Acro and Tumbling Team (MAATT) located in Owensville, MO. They are coached by Mindi Katsov, who was a former world contender herself.

Arthur and Katsov will not have long to rest before their next competition on foreign soil in the Pan-America Games in November in Cali, Colombia.