Cheerleading

“There are plenty of skimpy uniforms, big hair, fake tan and bows (that part of the sport hasn’t died). There’s loud music, screaming girls and almost always a few injuries here or there. But, what makes them really special is this amazing support and sportsmanship from other cheerleaders, especially when they see another team execute near perfectly. [...] The blind panic I experience before walking out on the floor is all too familiar for me. I watch my team mates doing any last minute stretches or drills, running to the toilet for that last minute nervous wee, or grabbing a drink of water to get rid of their dry mouth and then it’s go time. I hear the crowd screaming for us and it sends shivers down my spine as we walk onto that floor to give it everything we’ve got. Despite it all your preparation, you never know how the two and a half minutes will turn out.”

“Learning to tumble (our slang word for gymnastics) is that part that I find the hardest, and most time consuming. I started when I was 29 so I am far behind those who’ve been tumbling since they were 12, but the challenge has been immensely enjoyable and satisfying. I think most people would agree with me when I say that you become more fearful as you grow up and sometimes the mental battle to hurl yourself upside down can be harder than the difficulty of physically learning a skill.”