Rockville’s Xtreme Acro made US history at last week’s Acrobatic Gymnastics World Age Group Championships in Guimaraes, Portugal, bringing home a second Women’s Trio medal for Team USA.
Against 48 of the world’s best, the trio of Roni Azerrad, Audrey Wang and Isabella Collazo placed in the Top 10 in Qualifiers to reach Finals, then delivered a phenomenal Combined routine to clinch the Bronze medal. Xtreme Acro’s owner Leeanne Parnell says,
“Pride does not even begin to describe the feelings I’ve had watching this trio overcome so much to realize their dreams.” Xtreme Acro is now the first and only gym in the country to win back-to-back Worlds medals in Women’s Trios at any level.N”They couldn’t have been any more prepared or any stronger,” says Xtreme Acro’s director Co-Head Coach Juli Gottschalk, who previously competed at Worlds twice.
“They were at their peak performance just at the right time both physically and mentally.” “I knew as soon as they walked onto the floor, they were going to be perfect,” says Co-Head Coach Cameron Jones, a former 3-time World Team member and choreographer of the trio’s award-winning artistry. “| was so nervous,” says Azerrad, “but I also felt confident.”
As the longest standing partnership at Xtreme Acro, the road to Worlds was long and obstacle-filled for Azerrad (age 13), Wang (18) and Collazo (18), who have been together since 2021. “We dreamed of Worlds since we became partners,” says Collazo, “It still doesn’t feel real.” Both Collazo and Wang graduated from high school in May and had to take a gap year from college to train and compete at Worlds, their final competition before retiring from the sport. “It was totally worth it,” says Wang.
“We finally achieved our dreams. I’m so proud of what we accomplished together.” Xtreme Acro’s first Senior Elite trio competed at the World Acrobatic Championships, which followed the World Age Group event. Rebecca Greenberg (17), Olivia Green (16), and Caylei Caldwell (20) performed two stunning routines. They placed 6″ out of 25 teams competing at the highest level for this sport.
The trio scored well enough to qualify for Finals but could not advance due to the one-per-country rule. The trio was incredibly proud of their performance nonetheless. Says Caldwell, “The feeling of walking onto that floor for the first time with such amazing people is something I will remember forever. I can’t wait to see what’s next!” Says Gottschalk, “They were always pushing harder and harder with each practice and lifting each other up. Their dedication and commitment were exemplary and their progress inspiring. The accomplishments of both trios at Worlds were truly remarkable. The experiences and journey with these amazing ladies are something I will never forget.”
