Vegas Acro Duo Soars to World Youth Championships in Italy
Source: KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
In the high-flying world of acrobatic gymnastics, trust is everything. For 11-year-old Yasmin Roberts, that trust rests in the hands of 17-year-old Valentino Elbaz, her partner from Las Vegas. Together, they have transformed from near-strangers into national champions, and now they are preparing to represent Team USA at the 2026 Acrobatic Gymnastics World Youth Competition in Pesaro, Italy, scheduled for September 17-20. They are the only athletes from Nevada chosen for the event.
Acrobatic gymnastics, or acro, blends traditional gymnastics with dance, partner balances, throws, and catches. Roberts simplifies it: "A lot of flipping and just, like, handwork and partner trust." Both athletes started in conventional gymnastics before switching to acro, initially competing with different partners. But coach Ross Gibson saw potential in pairing them. "I just put them next to each other, and right away I could see that that was kind of a match made in heaven," Gibson recalled. "From that day, the goal was this competition — the World Championships."
Building that connection took time. Roberts was shy when paired with the older Elbaz, and the two barely spoke at first. Over the past two years, however, their relationship grew into something resembling an older brother and younger sister. That bond translated directly into success. Earlier this year, they made their international debut for Team USA at the Flanders International Acro Cup in Belgium. They entered without high expectations but left with a gold medal. Roberts attributed the win to "the connection and just the trust and just, like, confidence."
That victory paved the way for a national title at the 2026 USA Gymnastics Championships, securing their spot on the U.S. roster for Italy. Now, they train four hours a day after school, repeatedly performing and refining three routines. Every detail matters, Gibson emphasized, down to the placement of a finger. At the World Youth Competition, they will compete against 27 other mixed pairs, with only the top eight advancing to the final. Gibson's primary goal is for the duo to deliver three clean routines they can be proud of. A medal would be an added reward, as would the chance to enjoy Italy after the competition. Roberts already knows what she wants first: "Eating gelato and pasta."
Their journey from a quiet pairing to a gold-winning team underscores the power of trust and persistence. As they prepare for the biggest stage of their young careers, Roberts and Elbaz carry not just their own dreams but also the hopes of a city that has watched them soar.
Article commentary
The story of Yasmin Roberts and Valentino Elbaz is a compelling reminder of how trust and patience can forge extraordinary partnerships in sports. At just 11 and 17, they have already achieved what many gymnasts only dream of: a national title, an international gold, and a spot on Team USA. Their journey highlights the unique demands of acrobatic gymnastics, where physical skill is inseparable from emotional connection. Unlike individual disciplines, acro requires partners to rely on each other completely, turning a single misstep into a shared risk. The fact that this pair began as virtual strangers and now function like siblings speaks volumes about their coach's intuition and their own willingness to grow. From a developmental perspective, their progression is noteworthy. Starting in traditional gymnastics provided a solid foundation, but transitioning to acro demanded a shift in mindset. The shyness Roberts initially felt is common in such partnerships, especially with an age gap. Yet the brother-sister dynamic they developed likely reduced pressure and fostered open communication. This emotional safety net is critical when performing throws and catches that could result in injury. Coach Ross Gibson's role cannot be overstated. By identifying complementary skills and nurturing the relationship, he created an environment where talent could flourish. His emphasis on precision—down to finger placement—reflects the high standards required at the world level. Their surprise gold at the Flanders International Acro Cup also reveals the unpredictability of youth competitions. Entering without expectations often allows athletes to perform freely, which can lead to breakthroughs. That win, followed by a national title, suggests they have the mental resilience to handle pressure. However, the upcoming World Youth Competition in Italy presents a different challenge. With 28 mixed pairs, only eight advance to the final. The margin for error is razor-thin. Gibson's focus on executing three clean routines rather than chasing medals is a wise strategy, as it prioritizes process over outcome. For such young athletes, maintaining that mindset amid the excitement of an international stage will be key. Beyond the competition, this story also underscores the importance of grassroots sports development. Las Vegas is not typically known as a gymnastics hub, yet it produced a pair good enough to represent the entire country. Their success could inspire other local athletes to explore acro, a discipline that often flies under the radar compared to artistic gymnastics. The fact that Roberts already dreams of gelato and pasta shows that, despite their achievements, they remain children at heart. That balance between ambition and joy might be their greatest asset. As they prepare for Italy, the gymnastics community will be watching to see if this Vegas duo can turn trust into triumph on the world stage.