Cheerleading Training Challenges Archives

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.

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.

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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

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.