Will the USA Cheerleading Team be at the 2024 Olympics?3 min to read

Dispelling the Rumors: No Cheerleading in 2024 Olympics

Several prominent cheerleading outlets, and social media posts, set the cheer world alight with stories that the USA Cheerleading team was bound for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, despite the enthusiasm, this information is not accurate.

According to the IOC, while cheerleading has been gaining significant traction and recognition in the world of sports, it is not slated to make its Olympic debut in 2024.

Understanding IOC Recognition and Olympic Inclusion

So what does IOC recognition really mean? Essentially, it allows the International Cheer Union (ICU) to receive funding and developmental support. It is an acknowledgment of cheerleading’s evolving stature and influence in the sporting world. However, it is not an immediate ticket to the Olympics.

For a sport to be included in the Olympic program, it must first undergo a process that includes a review of the sport’s global impact, governance, and integrity, among other factors. Once a sport receives provisional recognition (as cheerleading did in 2016), it enters a three-year period where it can apply for inclusion in the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee officially recognized cheerleading as a sport in 2021 and the goal is to get it into the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

While the excitement surrounding the news of the USA Cheerleading team competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris was indeed thrilling, it’s vital to stay informed with accurate information. Cheerleading’s journey to the Olympics is ongoing, and though it may not happen in 2024, the future looks all but certain for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and what better place for the USA Cheer team’s debut than right here at home in the United States.