The Worldwide Rise of Cheer: Spotlight on Japan, Australia, and Norway at 2024 ICU Championships
Cheerleading has long been associated with American sports culture, but the sport has been experiencing a significant global expansion in recent years. This trend was particularly evident at the 2024 ICU World Cheerleading Championships, where several countries showcased their prowess, signaling a shift in the competitive cheerleading landscape. Among the standout nations were Japan, Australia, and Norway, each making significant strides and proving that cheerleading is truly becoming a global sport.
Team Japan: Rising to the Top in International Cheerleading
Japan’s ascent in competitive cheer has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past decade, Japan has evolved from a country primarily known for its success in dance categories to a formidable contender in cheerleading, particularly in the Coed Elite division. This transformation is a testament to the country’s dedication to excellence and the strategic efforts made by Cheer Japan, the organization responsible for nurturing and developing the nation’s cheerleading talent.
Evolution
Cheerleading in Japan has a rich history, supported by several key organizations, including Cheer Japan, which was founded in 2010. Initially, Japan made a strong impact in dance categories, such as Freestyle Pom and Hip Hop, where they consistently placed in the top ranks at international competitions. However, the nation’s ambitions extended beyond dance, leading to the formation of All-Girl and Coed Elite teams that would eventually compete at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships.
Japan’s Coed Elite team made its debut in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2023 that they secured their first gold medal, a historic moment that marked Japan’s emergence as a top contender in cheerleading. This victory was the result of meticulous preparation, including nationwide tryouts and rigorous training sessions held weekly. These efforts paid off, with the team making it to the finals for the first time and ultimately taking home the gold
Standout Athletes and Coaches
The success of Japan’s cheerleading teams can be attributed to both the athletes’ dedication and the expertise of their coaches. For example, Sonoka Kasahara, the head coach of the Coed Elite team, played a crucial role in leading the team to their historic victory in 2023. Under Kasahara’s guidance, the athletes engaged in a disciplined training regime that included stunt and tumbling homework, as well as intensive practice sessions in Florida just before the championship. This level of preparation was unprecedented for the team and demonstrated a new level of commitment that propelled them to the top
Additionally, the athletes themselves have shown remarkable resilience and skill. Many of the team members had never competed at such a high level before, making their achievement even more impressive. The win in 2023 is likely just the beginning. They clearly have momentum ??
Team Australia: A Consistent Cheer Powerhouse
Australia has cemented its place as a formidable force in the cheerleading world, particularly in the Coed and All-Girl divisions. The country’s consistent performances at international competitions, especially at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, highlight the depth of talent and the strong cheerleading culture that has been cultivated over the years.
A Legacy of Success
Australia’s cheerleading history is marked by steady growth and increasing success on the global stage. The Australian Cheer Union (ACU) has played a pivotal role in this development, bringing together the nation’s top talent to compete at the highest levels. The ACU’s strategic approach includes rigorous selection processes, where athletes from across the country are chosen to represent Australia in various international events. This method has proven effective, as seen in their impressive performances at the 2023 and 2024 ICU World Cheerleading Championships.
In 2023, Australia had one of its most successful showings, with all teams placing in the top five in their respective divisions. The All Girl Elite team secured a historic gold medal, marking Australia’s first World Championship title in this category. Meanwhile, the Coed Elite team earned a silver medal, showcasing the country’s competitive edge across multiple divisions. These achievements were not just a testament to the athletes’ skills but also to the exceptional coaching and preparation that went into these performances.
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Standout Athletes and Coaches
Key to Australia’s success has been the dedication and expertise of its coaches, such as Derrick Turner, the head coach of the All Girl Elite team, and Eddie Davey, who leads the Coed Elite team. These coaches have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what Australian cheerleading can achieve, focusing on refining techniques, building team cohesion, and fostering a competitive spirit that has propelled the teams to international success.
Athletes from Team Australia have consistently demonstrated their prowess, with many standout performances that have caught the attention of the global cheerleading community. The training regimen for these athletes is intense, with preparation involving multiple training camps across Australia and final practice sessions held just before major competitions in the USA. This level of commitment from both coaches and athletes has been a significant factor in Australia’s rise as a cheerleading powerhouse
Team Norway Cheer: Emerging Contenders
Norway has been making significant strides in the international cheerleading scene, particularly in the All-Girl and Coed Premier divisions. While the country may not have traditionally been seen as a cheerleading powerhouse, recent performances at global events like the ICU World Cheerleading Championships have shown that Norway is quickly becoming a formidable contender.
A History of Growth and Success
Norway’s cheerleading journey began with a slow and steady rise, primarily driven by the efforts of teams like the Viqueens Cheerleaders. The Viqueens, one of Norway’s most prominent cheerleading clubs, have played a pivotal role in elevating the country’s status on the world stage. Their team, Viqueens Spirit, has been competing internationally since 2011, steadily improving their performances over the years. In 2024, they achieved a monumental victory by winning their first-ever gold medal at The Cheerleading Worlds in the L7 International Open division. This win was the culmination of over a decade of hard work, dedication, and a strong culture of excellence within the team
Standout Teams and Athletes
The Viqueens Spirit team is known for its rigorous training and the exceptional talent of its athletes. Notably, many members of this team also represent Norway at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, demonstrating their versatility and high skill level across different competitions. In 2024, the Norwegian All-Girl Elite team, which included several athletes from the Viqueens, secured a spot on the podium, finishing just behind the United States and Finland. This achievement highlighted the depth of talent in Norway and underscored the country’s growing competitiveness on the international stage
Coaching and Development
The success of Norwegian cheerleading can be largely attributed to the quality of its coaching. Coaches like Nathalie Br?ndrup, who have a deep connection to the sport both as former athletes and now as coaches, have been instrumental in building a culture of hard work and resilience. Br?ndrup, for example, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong, fighting spirit within the team, which has been a cornerstone of their success
In addition to coaching, Norway’s national cheerleading programs have benefited from structured development strategies, including regular training camps, participation in European and global championships, and a focus on technical skill development. Events like the ICU European Cheerleading Championships, hosted in Norway in 2024, have further provided a platform for Norwegian teams to compete at a high level and gain invaluable experience
As cheer continues to evolve, these countries are likely to remain at the forefront, inspiring others to elevate their programs. The future of cheerleading is undeniably global, and the sport is better for it.
Writtne by: Steven Pawlyk