Ohio Twirlers Kendall Anderson and Bailey Mountford Set for World Championships in Paris
Two standout athletes from Ohio are preparing to take their talents to the global stage this summer. Bailey Mountford and Kendall Anderson have earned the prestigious honor of representing Team USA at the World Freestyle and Rhythmic Twirl Championships in Paris, France.
The duo secured their spots after a dominant performance at the U.S. Trials held in North Carolina this past March. Competing in the Junior Women’s Rhythmic Twirl category, Mountford claimed first place, while Anderson finished second, cementing their positions as the top representatives for the United States.
Meet the Team USA Representatives
Both athletes bring a wealth of experience and a history of success to the international arena, having already secured gold and silver medals in various individual and group events across England, Italy, and the Netherlands.
- Bailey Mountford: A junior at Jackson High School, Mountford serves as the school’s feature twirler. Her track record includes being named the 2025 Junior Miss Majorette of America.
- Kendall Anderson: A sophomore at North Canton Hoover High School and a member of the school’s dance team, Anderson is a former Miss Majorette Ohio.
The Athleticism Behind the Art
While often viewed through the lens of performance, competitive twirling requires a rigorous level of physical conditioning. Karen Cammer, President of USA Baton Twirling, emphasizes that the sport is a demanding aerobic activity that blends artistry with elite athleticism.
“Twirling is an aerobic sport that combines athleticism with artistry and top twirlers must demonstrate many of the same skills as elite athletes in other sports: the speed of a sprinter, the hand-eye coordination of a hockey player, the artistry of a figure skater, and the flexibility and power of a gymnast,” Cammer stated in a press release.
Key Event Details
The World Freestyle and Rhythmic Twirl Championships will bring together the world’s best twirlers to compete for gold in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
- Event: World Freestyle and Rhythmic Twirl Championships
- Location: Paris, France
- Dates: August 5–9
- Qualification Path: Top two finishers at the U.S. Trials (Junior Women’s Rhythmic Twirl)
Looking Ahead to August
As Mountford and Anderson enter their final phase of training, the focus remains on the gold medal. With their combined experience in international competition and their recent success at the national trials, the pair enters the Paris championships as strong contenders for the podium. The sporting world will be watching from August 5 to 9 to see if these Ohio natives can bring home the top honors for Team USA.