sport status Archives

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 20, 2021

The day has finally come! Cheerleading reaches Olympic status.

At the close of the 138th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting, the International Cheer Union (ICU) received “Full Sport Recognition”. So what does this mean moving forward?

As a result of receiving full sport recognition, cheerleading will now be eligible to petition to not only be included in the Olympic games and other multi-game events, but will also help to ensure more funding, education and support to help develop cheerleading in other countries who seek to participate.

This is such a momentous occasion because it’s been 11 years in the making. The ICU was founded in 2004 with the goal of positively impacting cheerleading and cheerleaders throughout the world. Shortly after it’s formation, the ICU applied for recognition by the OIC. It wasn’t until 2016 that ICU was granted provisional recognition.

Jeff Webb, President of the ICU recently stated, ““The IOC’s actions have created a monumental milestone for cheerleading. We are truly honored to receive this recognition by the IOC,” said Jeff Webb, President of the International Cheer Union. “This decision will greatly assist us as we strive to create opportunities for healthy participation and competition for millions of cheerleading athletes worldwide.”

We look forward to the coming years and are excited for cheerleaders from all nations to take the stage at the Olympics and perform the routines and choreography the world has been waiting to see!