Three cheers for Stephanie

By Kathryn Lewis

Docklands local of three years, Stephanie Davey, represented the country at her fourth Cheerleading World Championship in Florida at the end of last month.

Alongside her team, Melbourne Cheer Academy Phoenix was progressing well as Docklands News went to press.

Stephanie reported from the USA on April 30: "Currently sitting in sixth out of over 80 teams at Cheer Worlds as Phoenix from Melbourne Cheer Academy and head into finals tomorrow."

Before she left, she told us: “It’s not pom poms and dancing like the stereotype may seem.  It is a highly competitive sport, and these particular championships have 20,000 plus athletes from more than 70 countries,” she said.

Each team perform a two and half minute routine incorporating high-level gymnastics and acrobatics that are judged on difficulty and technique.

Throughout her 15-year career, Ms Davey has challenged the ditsy stereotype given to the athletes.

“You get stereotyped as an airhead or ditsy but in reality you’ve got to be switched on, we are on an Olympic level of athleticism,” she said.

Cheerleading was provisionally approved as an Olympic sport last year and could make its debut in the 2024 games.

Ms Davey said she would not compete in the games but hopes to be considered for a coaching position.

The sport promotes an inclusive and friendly environment with different positions for everybody.

“Your body type does not matter, there is a place for you,” Ms Davey said.