Cheerleaders make their mark on world stage
Three cheerleaders from Cheer & Tumbling Stars representing South Africa at the ICU World Championships in Orlando. Top: Addison Barker-Goldie. Bottom left: Sophia Odendaal. Bottom right: Emma Hirschberg.
Image: Supplied
Eleven young athletes from Cheer & Tumbling Stars, a Sunnydale-based club, were selected to represent South Africa at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships.
They competed in the Youth Coed Median division at the event, held in Orlando, Florida, in the United States of America in April.
Coach Samantha Higgins, who led the team at the international competition, said they achieved an impressive 4th-place finish.
The athletes from the club who formed part of the South African Youth Coed team were: Emma Hirschberg, Ruby Farquhar, Addison Barker-Goldie, Tayla Barker-Goldie, and Isla Summers, all from Generation School Imhoff; Grace Daniels from Sun Valley Primary School; Imogen Collins from Call of the Wild (a cottage school); Sophia Odendaal from Willows; Lolly Mhone from Springfield Convent; Layla MacNaughton from Herschel; and Nadia Kok from Fish Hoek High School.
In addition, Savannah Farh-Becker, also from the club, was selected to compete in the South African Junior All-Girl Advanced team, showcasing the depth of talent in the group.
“Cheerleading, now recognised as an Olympic sport, requires a combination of athleticism, teamwork and discipline,” said Ms Higgins. “Our athletes’ dedication and hard work have brought pride to our club and serve as inspiration to other young cheerleaders in the community.”