June 18, 2001

San Antonio, Texas-Alisha Robinson, an incoming freshman to the 2002 Missouri women's gymnastics team won the senior elite power tumbling title at the U.S. Trampoline and Tumbling Championship Sat., June 9.

Robinson, a native of Bates City, Mo., won the first round of competition with a score of 71.00. She went on to seal her victory with a final score of 143-defeating her nearest competitor by two full points.

The triumph earns Robinson a spot on the 2001 World Championship team representing the United States in Odense, Denmark, July 26-28. She will join fellow champions Brad Davis, Frankie Hartman, Chris Helton, Jared Olsen and Lajeana Davis on the U.S. team.

"We're thrilled for Alisha," MU gymnastics coach Rob Drass said. "This is a huge accomplishment for her and our program. Getting an athlete with the caliber to represent the United States at the World Championships is a great achievement. She will be a wonderful addition to our program," he added.

Robinson is the first Missouri gymnast to compete at a World Championship event.