Senior Reporter Mariah Varnado is a two-year member of the Wildcat Chronicle who frequently writes opinion pieces. The views expressed in this piece are her own.
Flipping 10 feet into the air while relying on teammates for safety might sound like a circus act, but for cheerleaders, it is just another day of practice. This demanding activity requires extraordinary time and effort, and it deserves greater recognition and respect.
When many think of cheerleaders, they envision high-energy girls chanting cheers at basketball or football games. Unfortunately, stereotypes often paint them as self-absorbed or mean, ignoring the reality of the sport. Cheerleading requires rigorous training, discipline, and physical endurance. At West Chicago Community High School, cheerleaders begin training in the summer, refining essential skills and enduring intense stunting camps that push their physical and mental limits. During the summer and football season, practices run from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. For basketball and competition seasons, these sessions continue at the same time, with an additional practice on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
By definition, a sport involves “physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against others for entertainment.” Cheerleading fits this description perfectly. The activity demands strength, flexibility, endurance, and precision. Athletes execute high-level tumbling passes, gravity-defying stunts, and intricate formations that require both physical stamina and teamwork. According to the American Medical Association, the physical demands of cheerleading meet or exceed those of other recognized sports, yet many still fail to acknowledge it as such.
One of the most common misconceptions about cheerleading is that it is merely a sideline activity. Critics argue that because sideline cheerleaders do not engage in direct competition, it should not be considered a sport. However, this argument crumbles when looking at competitive cheer. Teams spend months perfecting high-intensity, choreographed routines that combine gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics, all judged on execution, difficulty, and synchronization. West Chicago’s own competitive cheer team exemplifies this dedication, recently placing eighth at the ICCA State competition in January after months of grueling late-night practices.
The risks associated with cheerleading further reinforce its status as a sport. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, cheerleading accounts for approximately 65% of all catastrophic injuries among female athletes. These include concussions, fractures, and spinal injuries—serious consequences that underscore the level of physicality required. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends classifying cheerleading as a sport to ensure athletes receive the same safety protocols and medical support as their counterparts in football, soccer, and basketball.
So why does the debate continue? Part Visit Siteof the issue lies in the outdated perception of cheerleading as purely a performance. Historically, cheerleading began as an all-male activity in the 19th century before evolving into the highly athletic and competitive sport seen today. Despite its transformation, many still associate it with school spirit rather than athleticism.
Recognizing cheerleading as a sport would not only validate the athletes who dedicate themselves to perfecting their craft, but it would also provide greater access to funding, medical care, and competitive opportunities. These athletes work tirelessly to master their routines, face the same—if not greater—injury risks as other athletes, and compete at high levels. It is time for cheerleaders to receive the respect they deserve—not just as performers, but as athletes redefining the boundaries of competition.
Cheerleading is more than a routine. It is a sport. And it is time the world saw it that way.