It has often been said that raising kids is like a balancing act. For former Cirque du Soleil star, Gasya Akhmetova-Atherton, that couldn't be more true.
Growing up in Kazakhstan, Akhmetova-Atherton honed her gymnastics skills. She says she had a natural build for the sport and excelled quickly. She competed internationally and even placed first in her country. It was then that she was given the chance of a lifetime.
Akhmetova-Atherton was offered the opportunity to star in Cirque du Soleil at the age of 17. She worked as a performer until the birth of her second child, Kaysen.
Though she gave up Cirque du Soleil, she continues to practice gymnastics to this day — with the help of her family! Her two little ones already seem to be following in the family business. Akhmetova-Atherton's husband, British gymnast Andrew Atherton, also encourages the kids, and even helps film their stunts!
Check out the amazing photos of this incredibly talented family below, and let us know what you think in the comments!
[H/T: Daily Mail]
Gasya Akhmetova-Atherton's gravity-defying career began very early in life. At the age of 17, she was offered a chance to star in Cirque du Soleil!
In 2010, she joined IRIS, a show in Hollywood to perform her bungee act 45 feet above the audience's head every night. She even got to show off her hand-balancing skills at the 84th annual Academy Awards.
But life changed for Akhmetova-Atherton after meeting her husband, Andrew Atherton.
He is also a gymnast, and they now have two adorable children together. After having her second child, Akhmetova-Atherton left Cirque du Soleil to raise her kids.
But just because she's focusing on her children doesn't mean she's allowing her skills to slip away! Akhmetova-Atherton continues to train regularly, but now she has two little assistants to help her.
The flexible mom often incorporates her little ones in a number of incredible stunts and shares the photos for the world to enjoy.
"They're both amazing children," Akhmetova-Atherton told the Daily Mail. "Kamali is already showing signs of following in our footsteps."
Kaysen, Akhmetova-Atherton's 1-year-old, is even getting the hang of it! Both kids love to participate in her vigorous training routines.
Raising a family is certainly a balancing act, and it looks like the Athertons have it down pat.
"I'm not a pushy mum," Akhmetova-Atherton explained. "I try to make everything we do together fun."
Akhmetova-Atherton has worked with some of the top performers in the world during her time at the Cirque du Soleil, but nothing compares to having the opportunity to train with her children.
Who knows? Maybe her two little ones will follow in their parents' footsteps. Kamali already has her slide split perfected.
Akhmetova-Atherton has been blessed with a fantastic life from a very young age. Now, she's able to pass her amazing skills on to her little ones so someday they may have the same opportunities.
For more of this flexible family, follow them on Instagram!
What do you think of the Atherton family's incredible abilities? Let us know in the comments.
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