Blog Entry #2 - The World of Competitive Cheerleading: Recognizing it as a Sport.

     From age five, I stepped onto the mat with excitement and nervousness, starting on a journey that would shape my life. Competitive cheerleading is not just about the pom-poms and school spirit; It is a highly demanding sport requiring dedication, athleticism, and teamwork. Throughout my lifetime of cheerleading, I have traveled nationally and internationally to compete, spending countless hours in the gym to perfect my routines, condition, and overall work hard. I advocate that cheerleading is legitimately a sport, despite what others might say. 

    Competitive cheerleading demands a high level of commitment like other sports, if not more. I remember spending 50 to 60 hours a week in the gym during peak competition seasons, pushing myself to my physical and mental limits. According to https://bfamercury.org/4178/opinion/cheerleading-is-a-sport/ cheerleading has been evolving since 1898, getting constantly more difficult and dangerous.  The training included strength and conditioning, tumbling sessions, choreography, and endless "full outs" to ensure we were ready for the next completion. Each team member plays a significant role, from the flyer getting tossed in the air, to the three bases underneath to provide support and stability. It is a high-stakes environment where perfect timing of execution can make the difference between a win and a loss. 

    Opposite from stereotypes, competitive cheerleading demands a diverse set of skills, including gymnastics, dance, stunting, and strength. Flyers showcase the balance and flexibility it takes to do the most dangerous stunts, while bases and backspots demonstrate strength and coordination to help that flyer defy gravity. Tumbling passes and choreography also are a part of a routine. Imagine doing non-stop stunting, jumping, tumbling, and dancing in two and a half minutes all while keeping a smile on your face! It is tough and takes years to master. Also, if you make a mistake, you run! Not fun. According to https://www.ue.org/risk-management/athletics/treat-cheerleading-as-a-sport/ cheerleaders endure a higher level of injuries than any other high school athlete. Crazy how cheerleaders also get more hurt in what they do than any other "real" sports. The athleticism and skill displayed in competitive cheerleading differ from that of any traditional sport, yet still often remain overlooked and dismissed. 

    In conclusion, competitive cheerleading is not just a sideline chant but a serious sport that deserves recognition and respect. My personal journey through this sport has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. As I reflect on the many hours I spent in the gym and the unforgettable times I had growing up in the atmosphere of dedicated athletes, I am proud to advocate for cheerleading as a rightful place in the world of sports. Cheerleading does take years of hard work, but I also wouldn't change the times I had for anything.  It is about time to challenge the stereotypes and acknowledge the athleticism and dedication of cheerathletes everywhere.