MONTREAL - Acrobatic gymnastics, sometimes called acrogym, or acrosport, usually relies on asymmetry, as one participant is meant to be able to lift, raise and even toss the other.

But a pair of 14-year-old Montrealers has been excelling in the sport without that advantage, as both are similar-sized.

Katia Perin and Daphne Ayotte shouldn't be so good together.

“It’s easier for the big one to lift the other up if she's smaller, because she is less heavy,” said Daphne Ayotte.

Her partner recognizes that it’s a challenge the duo must surmount to achieve excellence.

“We’re almost the same height,” said Ayotte’s partner Katia Perin. “Does that make it hard? Sometimes. I got use to it. At the beginning it was a lot harder.”

Their coach, who is considered a pioneer of the sport in Canada, says that the two have managed to get great results without a size difference.

And such challenges are the bread-and-butter of her livelihood.

“It’s a long process,” said Coach Eva Rucka. “I love to work with children to pass on what my coaches gave me in life.”

“It's not only about muscles, it's about friendships,” she said.

The kids are now hoping all of their practice pays off in an upcoming competition in Zurich, Switzerland.

Daphne’s mother has found her daughter’s dedication remarkable.

“All the things that she's going through, all the sacrifice for her age,” said Julie Turcotte. “She's not partying like normal kids around her. When she goes over there, she's so proud, I'm so proud.”

Katia’s mother also considers the practice to have been character-building and notes that the qualities that the coaches instilled in her daughter are invaluable.

“They've taught them very strong values. These girls are very dedicated and responsible and they coach little ones. So at 14 they can run a gym. So it does definitely ground them,” said Katia’s mother Nadia Arand.

The girls work on their routines 20 hours a week and look forward to shining on the world stage as of August 14.

They know that they can’t do it without the support offered by their parents and coaches.

“It means a lot because I know they're behind me and they'd do anything to help me achieve my dreams,” said Katia.