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University Cheer Worlds Just Crowned a New Champion

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
University Cheer Worlds 2026 Just Crowned a New Champion
15
Jun
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published June 15, 2026

The University Cheer Worlds just wrapped in Gothenburg, Sweden. The FISU World University Championship ran from June 5 to 7. Twelve countries left with medals.

Most of your athletes have no idea this event exists. That is a problem worth fixing.

Canada cheerleading bronze FISA 2026

What went down in Gothenburg

The United States won gold in Coed Premier with an 84.12. Japan took silver at 78.28. Canada grabbed bronze in its first trip to the division.

Canada actually medaled twice. The University of Alberta took silver in All Female Elite. That marked a second straight podium for the program in that category.

The US still owns the top spot. But widen the lens and the story shifts. Athletes from a dozen countries stood on a podium last weekend.

That spread matters. Strong programs now live far beyond the names you expect.

Wait, what is university Worlds?

You can be forgiven for not knowing this event. The first one happened in Lodz, Poland, back in 2018. It is still young.

FISU runs the championship. The International Cheer Union governs the cheer side. Athletes do not just rep their gym here. They compete for their whole country.

The event splits into two lanes. Cheer covers stunts, tumbling, and the loud stuff. Cheer Dance leans on synchronized, gymnastic dance work.

Here is how it differs from the path your athletes know. All Star runs through USASF clubs. Most US college hopefuls aim for Daytona. University Worlds sends them to a world stage under their flag instead.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Why your athletes should care

Most cheerleaders think the sport ends at graduation. They watch teammates age out of All Star and assume the sidelines are the only road left.

University cheer kills that assumption. Athletes compete for their country and their school at a world level. Some keep training hard into their mid-twenties.

This changes the conversation you have with a 16-year-old. Cheer can shape which college they pick. It does not have to be the thing they quit.

What the scoreboard teaches

Here is the part you can use on Monday. Clean wins at this level.

The medal teams did not stack the hardest skills and hope. They hit. International judges reward routines that land every element with control.

world university games cheerleading

Say this to your athletes now, while it sticks. A clean Level 4 routine beats a shaky Level 5 every time. That truth runs from your gym floor straight to Sweden.

Canada cheerleading bronze FISA 2026

How an athlete actually gets there

Start with the truth. This path is narrow but real. Spots on a national team stay limited.

Selection works differently by country. It usually runs through national federations and university programs. A school with a serious competitive team gives an athlete the best shot.

You do not need every athlete to aim for Sweden. You need a few to know the option exists. That knowledge keeps them training when the All Star clock runs out.

How to bring it back to your gym

Pull the routines up online and watch them as a team. Point out how the top squads control their pace. Ask your athletes what they notice about consistency.

Then map the path out loud. Show them which schools send teams to international meets. Let them picture cheer as a long game, not a countdown.

The athlete who hears this at 15 trains with more purpose at 17. Give them the reason.

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
Australia, Events, Featured

Australian Cheer: Rising Stars & Legends

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

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

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.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

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

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.

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
130bpm 150bpm
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