For those in the All Star Cheer World (and all factions of cheer in general for that matter!), every time the Olympics rolls around and another round of debut “sports” that make us scratch our heads in bewilderment as to why the heck ____________ is an Olympic Sport but cheerleading is not, fires us up and strengthens our passionate argument as to why our sport should indeed be an Olympic Sport.
As we are all well aware, cheerleading is more than just a sideline activity at football games—it’s a challenging and exciting sport that deserves to be included in the Olympics.
Here are some key reasons why we believe cheerleading should be recognized as an Olympic sport:
Growing Popularity Worldwide
Cheerleading has grown immensely in popularity, not just in the United States, where it originated, but around the world. Many countries now have competitive cheerleading teams, and international competitions are held every year. This global appeal is one of the most important factors for a sport to be considered for the Olympics. The more countries that participate, the more it makes sense for the sport to be included in the world’s biggest sporting event.
Athleticism and Skill
Cheerleading is a sport that requires incredible athletic ability. Cheerleaders need to be strong, flexible, and coordinated. They perform difficult stunts, tosses, and tumbling passes that require precise timing and teamwork. In many ways, cheerleading combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics—skills that are highly valued in the Olympics. The level of skill and athleticism involved in cheerleading is on par with many other Olympic sports.
Teamwork and Cooperation
Unlike many sports where individual performance is key, cheerleading is all about teamwork. A cheerleading routine cannot succeed without every member of the team working together perfectly. Whether it’s a pyramid, a basket toss, or a synchronized dance, each team member’s role is crucial. This focus on teamwork makes cheerleading a great sport for teaching cooperation and discipline, values that are important in the Olympics.
Gender Inclusivity
Cheerleading is a sport that is open to both boys and girls. While it’s true that cheerleading is often seen as a female-dominated sport, male cheerleaders play a crucial role, especially in the more physically demanding stunts. Including cheerleading in the Olympics would promote gender equality by showcasing a sport where both genders can compete side by side and contribute equally.
International Recognition
In 2016, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted provisional recognition to the International Cheer Union (ICU), the sport’s governing body. This was a huge step forward for cheerleading as it showed that the sport is being taken seriously on a global level. Provisional recognition is often the first step towards full inclusion in the Olympics. It means that cheerleading is recognized as a sport with standardized rules, a global governing body, and a clear path for athletes to follow.
Engaging Young Audiences
One of the goals of the Olympics is to engage and inspire young people around the world. Cheerleading is particularly popular among younger athletes, especially teenagers. Including cheerleading in the Olympics could attract a younger audience to the Games, helping to keep the Olympics relevant and exciting for future generations. The energy, enthusiasm, and creativity of cheerleading make it a perfect fit for the modern Olympic Games.
A Fair and Judged Sport
Like gymnastics or figure skating, cheerleading is a judged sport. While some may see this as a disadvantage, it actually aligns cheerleading with many other Olympic sports. Cheerleading competitions already have strict judging criteria, including difficulty, execution, and creativity. The sport is ever-evolving to ensure that the judging is as fair and consistent as possible, which is essential for Olympic sports.
Promoting Health and Fitness
Cheerleading is not just about performing; it’s also about staying fit and healthy. Cheerleaders train rigorously to build strength, endurance, and flexibility. By including cheerleading in the Olympics, the sport can promote health and fitness among young people globally. It encourages physical activity in a fun and engaging way, which is exactly what the Olympics aim to do.
We believe that Cheerleading deserves to be an Olympic sport because it is a physically demanding, globally popular, and inclusive activity that promotes teamwork and health. The sport has grown far beyond its roots and now stands as a competitive and exciting event that would be a great addition to the Olympic Games. By recognizing cheerleading as an Olympic sport, the IOC would not only honor the athleticism and dedication of cheerleaders worldwide but also inspire millions of young people to get active and stay fit.
