Many people are now beginning to see what cheerleaders have known all along – cheerleading is a sport in every sense of the word! The past several years have seen cheerleading gain real recognition within the world of sports and beyond. In addition to being officially labeled a contact sport by the Supreme Court (a judgement that was the first of its kind), cheerleading was recently recognized by ESPN as one of the toughest sports, behind only football. The days of thinking a sport was only those games that included a ball are long gone. So with all of this advancement, what’s the next logical step for cheerleading?
There has been speculation for some time now that Cheerleading may be included in the 2012 or 2016 Olympics. Although it is clear now that it will not be a part of the 2012 games, there’s plenty of hope for the future. Cheerleading has become respected as a competitive and entertaining sport across the globe, with worldwide demographics of over 4 million participants and growing.
Some argue that cheerleading is similar to gymnastics and is not needed in the Olympics. Although the sports require similar skill sets like strength and balance, they are quite unique in their own respects. Along with tumbling, cheerleading includes dance and stunting. In many ways the argument can be made that cheerleading is more unique than most other sports already in the Olympics. Some misinformed spectators also assume that cheerleading requires less athletic talent than some sports – this couldn’t be farther from the truth! Requiring a combination of strength, balance, and agility, the sport has become very difficult at elite levels.
We hope that with all of the recognition cheerleading has been receiving, people will take notice, and it will one day be added to the Olympics. Although it will not be in 2012, we must continue to press the issue and encourage the great participants and fans of our sport to speak their voice!
Shout this into the nearest megaphone – 2016, here we come!
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