Category Archives: Australia

Australia, Coaching, Events, Featured, Japan, News, Norway

The Worldwide Rise of Cheer: Spotlight on Japan, Australia, and Norway at 2024 ICU Championships

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Global cheerleading expansion top cheerleading nations 2024
19
Aug

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 19, 2024

Cheerleading has long been associated with American sports culture, but the sport has been experiencing a significant global expansion in recent years. This trend was particularly evident at the 2024 ICU World Cheerleading Championships, where several countries showcased their prowess, signaling a shift in the competitive cheerleading landscape. Among the standout nations were Japan, Australia, and Norway, each making significant strides and proving that cheerleading is truly becoming a global sport.

Team Japan: Rising to the Top in International Cheerleading

Japan’s ascent in competitive cheer has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past decade, Japan has evolved from a country primarily known for its success in dance categories to a formidable contender in cheerleading, particularly in the Coed Elite division. This transformation is a testament to the country’s dedication to excellence and the strategic efforts made by Cheer Japan, the organization responsible for nurturing and developing the nation’s cheerleading talent.

Japan icu cheerleading All Girl Elite cheerleading

Evolution

Cheerleading in Japan has a rich history, supported by several key organizations, including Cheer Japan, which was founded in 2010. Initially, Japan made a strong impact in dance categories, such as Freestyle Pom and Hip Hop, where they consistently placed in the top ranks at international competitions. However, the nation’s ambitions extended beyond dance, leading to the formation of All-Girl and Coed Elite teams that would eventually compete at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships.

Japan’s Coed Elite team made its debut in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2023 that they secured their first gold medal, a historic moment that marked Japan’s emergence as a top contender in cheerleading. This victory was the result of meticulous preparation, including nationwide tryouts and rigorous training sessions held weekly. These efforts paid off, with the team making it to the finals for the first time and ultimately taking home the gold

Standout Athletes and Coaches

The success of Japan’s cheerleading teams can be attributed to both the athletes’ dedication and the expertise of their coaches. For example, Sonoka Kasahara, the head coach of the Coed Elite team, played a crucial role in leading the team to their historic victory in 2023. Under Kasahara’s guidance, the athletes engaged in a disciplined training regime that included stunt and tumbling homework, as well as intensive practice sessions in Florida just before the championship. This level of preparation was unprecedented for the team and demonstrated a new level of commitment that propelled them to the top

Additionally, the athletes themselves have shown remarkable resilience and skill. Many of the team members had never competed at such a high level before, making their achievement even more impressive. The win in 2023 is likely just the beginning. They clearly have momentum 🙂

Team Australia: A Consistent Cheer Powerhouse

Australia has cemented its place as a formidable force in the cheerleading world, particularly in the Coed and All-Girl divisions. The country’s consistent performances at international competitions, especially at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, highlight the depth of talent and the strong cheerleading culture that has been cultivated over the years.

A Legacy of Success

Australia’s cheerleading history is marked by steady growth and increasing success on the global stage. The Australian Cheer Union (ACU) has played a pivotal role in this development, bringing together the nation’s top talent to compete at the highest levels. The ACU’s strategic approach includes rigorous selection processes, where athletes from across the country are chosen to represent Australia in various international events. This method has proven effective, as seen in their impressive performances at the 2023 and 2024 ICU World Cheerleading Championships.

In 2023, Australia had one of its most successful showings, with all teams placing in the top five in their respective divisions. The All Girl Elite team secured a historic gold medal, marking Australia’s first World Championship title in this category. Meanwhile, the Coed Elite team earned a silver medal, showcasing the country’s competitive edge across multiple divisions. These achievements were not just a testament to the athletes’ skills but also to the exceptional coaching and preparation that went into these performances.

Australia All Girl Elite cheerleading Australia All Girl Elite cheerleading

Standout Athletes and Coaches

Key to Australia’s success has been the dedication and expertise of its coaches, such as Derrick Turner, the head coach of the All Girl Elite team, and Eddie Davey, who leads the Coed Elite team. These coaches have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what Australian cheerleading can achieve, focusing on refining techniques, building team cohesion, and fostering a competitive spirit that has propelled the teams to international success.

Athletes from Team Australia have consistently demonstrated their prowess, with many standout performances that have caught the attention of the global cheerleading community. The training regimen for these athletes is intense, with preparation involving multiple training camps across Australia and final practice sessions held just before major competitions in the USA. This level of commitment from both coaches and athletes has been a significant factor in Australia’s rise as a cheerleading powerhouse

Team Norway Cheer: Emerging Contenders

Norway has been making significant strides in the international cheerleading scene, particularly in the All-Girl and Coed Premier divisions. While the country may not have traditionally been seen as a cheerleading powerhouse, recent performances at global events like the ICU World Cheerleading Championships have shown that Norway is quickly becoming a formidable contender.

A History of Growth and Success

Norway’s cheerleading journey began with a slow and steady rise, primarily driven by the efforts of teams like the Viqueens Cheerleaders. The Viqueens, one of Norway’s most prominent cheerleading clubs, have played a pivotal role in elevating the country’s status on the world stage. Their team, Viqueens Spirit, has been competing internationally since 2011, steadily improving their performances over the years. In 2024, they achieved a monumental victory by winning their first-ever gold medal at The Cheerleading Worlds in the L7 International Open division. This win was the culmination of over a decade of hard work, dedication, and a strong culture of excellence within the team

Norway icu 2024 norwegian cheerleading All Girl Elite cheerleading

Standout Teams and Athletes

The Viqueens Spirit team is known for its rigorous training and the exceptional talent of its athletes. Notably, many members of this team also represent Norway at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, demonstrating their versatility and high skill level across different competitions. In 2024, the Norwegian All-Girl Elite team, which included several athletes from the Viqueens, secured a spot on the podium, finishing just behind the United States and Finland. This achievement highlighted the depth of talent in Norway and underscored the country’s growing competitiveness on the international stage

Coaching and Development

The success of Norwegian cheerleading can be largely attributed to the quality of its coaching. Coaches like Nathalie Brøndrup, who have a deep connection to the sport both as former athletes and now as coaches, have been instrumental in building a culture of hard work and resilience. Brøndrup, for example, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong, fighting spirit within the team, which has been a cornerstone of their success

In addition to coaching, Norway’s national cheerleading programs have benefited from structured development strategies, including regular training camps, participation in European and global championships, and a focus on technical skill development. Events like the ICU European Cheerleading Championships, hosted in Norway in 2024, have further provided a platform for Norwegian teams to compete at a high level and gain invaluable experience

As cheer continues to evolve, these countries are likely to remain at the forefront, inspiring others to elevate their programs. The future of cheerleading is undeniably global, and the sport is better for it.

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Australia, Events, Featured

Australian Cheer: Rising Stars & Legends

Posted on by IPP Music
Australian Cheer Rising Stars Legends
15
Jan

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 15, 2024

From the inspiring story of Mia Wansbrough who lead Southern Cross Lady Reign to a historic victory, to the young and formidable Matilda Karipa dominating the under 12 Novice Youth Division, today we’re gonna discuss the athletes of note in Australia’s cheer world. Highlighting the discipline of Atomic Blackout, as they balance the physical demands and financial commitments of cheer with their deep passion for the sport. As well as the notable achievements of the Australian Cheer Union (ACU) at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, and the ambitious journey of a young talent, Loghan Sculthorpe, aiming for international glory. Together, these stories paint a vivid picture of the resilience, dedication, and community spirit that underpin Australian cheer.

Mia Wansbrough Cheerleading

The Story of Mia Wansbrough and Southern Cross Lady Reign

Mia Wansbrough’s journey with the Southern Cross Lady Reign team to the 2021 International Cheerleading Worlds is a remarkable tale of resilience, innovation, and triumph. At 23, Mia balanced her dedication to cheerleading with academic pursuits, having recently graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Genetics. Her academic focus on the genetic variation in thermal plasticity of Drosophila melanogaster during her honors in genetics complemented her rigorous training for the world championship.

As the pandemic hit, Mia and her Melbourne-based team faced unprecedented challenges. They adapted to the new norm of remote training, practicing their high-energy routines via Zoom. Their living rooms and backyards became their new training grounds, and they transformed the limitations into opportunities for growth and innovation.

The 2021 International Cheerleading Worlds, held virtually due to COVID-19, posed a unique challenge as teams had to perform in the absence of the electrifying atmosphere typically found in a live competition setting. Mia, as a “flier” for Southern Cross Lady Reign, had to adapt her routines for a virtual format, performing intricate mid-air maneuvers without the physical presence of her teammates. Their training sessions in an empty gym in Northcote starkly contrasted the vibrant Wide World of Sports arena at Disney World in Florida, where the event was initially planned to be held.

Despite these obstacles, the team’s resilience shone through. Under the guidance of their coach, Momoko Hamaguchi, they not only maintained but strengthened their team bond. Mia, alongside her teammate Caitlin Dagher, a law/psychology student, exemplified the team’s spirit and determination. Their hard work culminated in a historic victory, earning the first gold medal for an Australian team in this prestigious event.

Mia’s dual dedication to her academic career as a Research Officer at Monash University and her passion for cheerleading epitomizes the multifaceted nature of modern athletes. Her story with Southern Cross Lady Reign is an inspiration, demonstrating that with hard work, adaptability, and team unity, athletes can overcome even the most daunting challenges and achieve greatness.

Matilda Karipa

Matilda Karipa, a young cheerleader from Caboolture, Australia, has shown remarkable talent and dedication in the world of competitive cheerleading. At just 7 years old, Matilda and her All-Star cheerleading team, The Commanders, achieved impressive success by winning gold medals in all five major cheer competitions they entered this year. These competitions included State, National, and Majors, where they competed in the under 12 Novice Youth Division. This success marks Matilda’s first year in competitive cheerleading, a step up from the semi-competitive Cheer Sport category she participated in for the previous two years.

Driven by her passion for cheerleading, Matilda transitioned from gymnastics to cheerleading, finding it at her dance academy. She quickly excelled in the sport, even competing with a broken arm from an unrelated injury, showcasing her resilience and commitment. Despite being the youngest and smallest on her team, Matilda’s role as a flyer places her at the top of the pyramid, performing her favorite stunts. She dreams of someday competing in America and continues to practice cheerleading alongside her other passion, horse riding.

Matilda’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a love for the sport, making her an inspiration to aspiring young cheerleaders everywhere

The Story of Mia Wansbrough and Southern Cross Lady Reign Cheer

Atomic Blackout

The Australian cheerleading team Atomic Blackout has been making waves with their dynamic and thrilling performances. As described in a YouTube video, the team’s routines are a blend of fear and excitement, especially for the flyers who kickstart the performances with tumbling, followed by pyramid formations that can reach up to three stories high, involving three or four groups. The routine concludes with a massive dance sequence, captivating the audience with their energy and precision.

Loghan Sculthorpe cheerleader

Loghan Sculthorpe

Loghan Sculthorpe, a 13-year-old cheerleading talent from Port Macquarie, Australia, is embarking on an inspiring journey to represent Australia at the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships 2024 in Orlando, Florida. This prestigious event offers Loghan an unparalleled opportunity to showcase her skills on an international stage.

To make this dream a reality, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to cover the costs associated with international travel and training. These expenses include flights, accommodations, competition fees, and other related costs. The fundraising effort is a testament to the community’s support for Loghan’s aspirations and the recognition of their potential in the sport of cheer. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-loghan-to-cheer-for-australia/donations

The stories of Matilda Karipa, Atomic Blackout, the Australian Cheer Union (ACU), and Loghan Sculthorpe embody the spirit, dedication, and growing prowess of Australian cheerleading. Matilda’s early achievements, despite being new to the competitive scene, highlight the potential and tenacity of young athletes in the sport. Atomic Blackout’s disciplined approach and commitment to training, alongside their financial sacrifices, showcase the serious athletic rigor of cheerleading in Australia. The ACU’s success on the world stage, with Team Australia’s historic win at the ICU World Championships, cements Australia’s position as a formidable competitor internationally.

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