By Christine Situ, USAG Creator Program
Acrobatic gymnastics combines a range of athletic skills—tumbling, flexibility, control, and teamwork, among many others. It’s only fitting, then, that acrobatic gymnasts have the same amount of variety when it comes to pathways both in and out of the sport.
From beginnings to elite
Most acrobatic gymnasts get started in development programs run by clubs with acro programs, around ages 7-11. Some, however, move laterally from a different discipline—for example, switching from artistic gymnastics or dance to acrobatic gymnastics. Gymnasts moving disciplines are often able to continue in the same level as their previous discipline or even move up a level. Once athletes complete all 10 Development Program (DVP) levels, they move to the elite level best suited for their age group: youth (11-16), junior (12-18; 13-19), or senior (15+).
Once in the elite program, gymnasts continue at that level for an average of 4-5 years, which is up from an average of 3-4 years in elite in previous years. Gymnasts are able to compete for multiple World Championships seasons, which last two years, and many even continue their elite training while in college and later into their twenties. Gymnasts will sometimes switch team compositions at the end of a World Championship season. For example, an athlete can switch from women’s pair to women’s group, or a mixed pair to a men’s pair, among other iterations. Other times, gymnasts who start their careers as tops transition to becoming bases after moving down a few levels, effectively giving them a second career.
College gymnastics and continued involvement
Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&T) is an emerging NCAA sport, headed up by the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA), which allows athletes the chance to compete in the sport in college. Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling programs recruit gymnasts out of all gymnastics disciplines, but especially acro due to gymnasts already having a skill set well-equipped for college competition. Currently, there are over 60 schools with A&T programs, fielding a 100% recruitment rate—that is, all athletes that are interested in recruitment are able to pursue that path.
Other popular avenues for retired acro gymnasts include circus performance and cheerleading, as skills learned in acro easily transfer over to silks and teeterboards. Acrobatic gymnasts have gone on to perform at shows and on cruises, with some even having performed with Cirque du Soleil. Other athletes might become athletic trainers, physical therapists or sports psychiatrists. Their experiences as athletes help contribute to their passion for their chosen field and they are able to draw on that knowledge when working.
A path forward
The NCATA and collegiate A&T has increased visibility for the discipline and incentivized many to give the sport a try – especially given the promise of potential scholarships and college recruitment. At the same time, colleges can find elite coaches and high-caliber athletes that push the sport farther than ever. Acro continues to expand and grow within the gymnastics community and beyond.