BENDIGO\u2019S Maddy Theobold is back from representing Australia at the International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships with a gold medal hanging proudly around her neck.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the first World Championship win for an Australian team which will see them move up to the top division next year to take on the world\u2019s powerhouses for the major title.<\/p>\n
The ICU set-up consists of two divisions, elite and premier, and to be part of the top division you have to first win an elite title, which the all-girl Aussie team just did.<\/p>\n
Theobold said it wasn\u2019t a flawless two days for the team, but they did enough to beat out our neighbours from across the Tasman.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur first run wasn’t fantastic,\u201d she said. \u201cWe did have a deduction, a five-point deduction for a very minor mistake but a critical one because we lost placement after day one.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we knew it was a bad run and we were still sitting in second. So still right up there.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the day two run in the finals, we knew it was between us and New Zealand because New Zealand\u2019s run was very clean.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we ended up winning which was just an incredible feeling. We finished in front of New Zealand who came second and then Japan in third.\u201d<\/p>\n
Theobold said the win shows the state of competitive cheerleading in Australia has never been stronger.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe all-girl team took the gold, and the co-ed team actually took silver, so some really great results,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven New Zealand coming second in the all-girl division is incredible showing that this side of the world is excelling so much, and cheer is being recognised.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now Australia has won an elite title, the premier division and powerhouses the United States, Canada and Norway are waiting, but Theobold didn\u2019t guarantee she would be there to take them on next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think at this point in time my body needs a good break, to be fair,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I did say I’d retire last year, and I’ve gone back again this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s been an incredible opportunity to be involved in the journey that has allowed Australia to move into the Premier Division.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I’m hoping is now that Australia has won the title and is doing so well is that it paves the way for future athletes and the future of the sport in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BENDIGO\u2019S Maddy Theobold is back from representing Australia at the International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships with a gold medal hanging proudly around her neck. It\u2019s the first World Championship win for an Australian team which will see them move up to the top division next year to take on the world\u2019s powerhouses for the […]<\/p>\n