Cheerleading in the Olympics?

 Cheerleading in the Olympics?

Over the past forty years cheerleading has come a long way from girls in long skirts with big poms yelling on a sideline to the acrobatic, athletic sport it is today. The man behind this transformation is Varsity CEO, Jeff Webb. His success is due to his approach of adding more entertainment and athleticism to the traditional cheerleading style. There have been many advances in the sport including it spreading to many different countries outside of the United States, collegiate high school and international competitions, and competitive club programs. The next goal he has for cheerleading is for it to be included in the 2020 Olympic Games.

In a recent interview Mr. Webb gave his definition of what cheerleading is to him. He is quoted as saying “Cheerleading is more than a sport. It’s a unique combination of leadership, athleticism, and entertainment.” His goal was not to change cheerleading, but transform and modernize it. He has kept the leadership aspects of leading cheers and chants on the sideline, but has made it more relevant and entertaining. That is why there has been the addition of stunts, tumbling, and more elaborate dancing.

Cheerleading has turned from just a support system for other people competing to having competitions of its own. Some of these competitions are even broadcasted on television stations and streamed online. There are international competitions all around the world, where different teams from different countries can compete against each other. There are also competitions at both the high school and collegiate levels. Another discipline of cheerleading that has come a long way is club cheerleading called all-star. These are teams that just compete and are not part of a school. All of these different type of cheerleading are very athletic and offer athletes the tools to gain skills important for being a successful adult.

            The ultimate goal of Mr. Webb and cheerleading is for it to be added to the Olympics as one of the Olympic Games. The first steps to this process have already been taken with the formation of the International Cheer Union (ICU). There are 107 national federations that are already members and more than 70 countries scheduled to compete in Orlando in mid-April. All of the proper governances and guidelines are followed in this competition including anti-doping procedures, education, and a number of other standards for recognition by the IOC. There are many sports that are trying to be a part of the next Olympic Games, but Mr. Webb is optimistic for cheerleading’s chances as it fits many of the criteria they are looking for. It is young, visual, telegenic and involves women and men in the same sport. It’s a great sport and with enough work can be a part of the 2020 Olympic Games.

With all the growth in cheerleading many people are skeptical that it is taking away from what cheerleading is supposed to be, and that is crowd leading. This could not be further from the truth. The advancements in cheerleading are meant propel the sport so more people want to do it while keeping the same traditional feel. Even club programs are meant to be supplementary and help kids develop skills and athleticism to help with other sports along with cheerleading. Even once in the Olympics cheerleading will not lose its roots as a crowd leading program, it will only transform into a more entertaining and athletic combination of sport and leadership.

The authors

- former High School Cheerleader

-former University of Missouri Cheerleader

-UCA staff and Head instructor 7 years

10 years experience coaching at the High School, College, and Competitive level of Cheerleading