Cheerleading’s Olympic Dream Deferred

When cheerleading was granted official sport status by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2021, many in the cheer world believed that the LA 2028 Olympics would be the perfect venue for the sport’s grand debut.

The international cheerleading community felt a mix of anticipation and hope in the run-up to the announcements regarding the LA 2028 Olympic Games. Since the IOC recognized cheerleading, the dream of cheerleaders on the Olympic stage has exploded. Today, however, that anticipation met a hurdle.

Given Los Angeles’ reputation as an entertainment capital and its history of innovative Olympic programming, the stage seemed set for cheerleading to finally have its moment in the California sun.

However, during the IOC Executive Board’s latest update, they disclosed the proposal of five additional sports for the LA28 roster: baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. The LA28 Organizing Committee initially proposed these sports, which underwent a thorough evaluation by the Olympic Programme Commission (OPC) before being recommended to the Executive Board. Each proposed sport was evaluated based on various criteria including worldwide popularity, inclusivity, and their potential to draw viewers. For baseball/softball, cricket, and lacrosse, it would be a return to the Olympic Games, while flag football and squash would be making their Olympic debut in Los Angeles.

READ MORE: Will Cheerleading Ever Make It to the Olympics?

“The choice of these five new sports is in line with the American sports culture and will showcase iconic American sports to the world, while bringing international sports to the United States. These sports will make the Olympic Games LA28 unique,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “Their inclusion will allow the Olympic Movement to engage with new athlete and fan communities in the US and globally.”

While the announcement was a disappointment to many, it’s important to remember that the Olympic Games are always evolving. The IOC’s decisions often reflect a blend of preserving tradition while also embracing newer sports that capture global attention.

USA Cheer, the governing body for sport cheering in the United States, was recognized by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic family earlier this year as a USOPC Affiliate Sports Organization, furthering the conversation that cheerleading could be included in the 2028 games. “We’re incredibly proud of the growth of cheerleading internationally and excited about the opportunities for our sport going forward,” says Lauri Harris, Executive Director of USA Cheer. “The International Olympic Committee has formally recognized the International Cheer Union, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has likewise formally recognized USA Cheer, and similar steps are occurring in countries around the world. As more and more people are exposed to cheerleading, and our competitions continue to entertain new audiences, we’re hopeful that future Olympic hosts will consider cheer for inclusion.”

READ MORE: Cheerleading in the Olympics could redefine the sport and its future

On a brighter note, Brisbane’s hosting of the 2032 Olympic Games offers another glimmer of hope. Given the city’s vibrant sports culture, there’s reason to be optimistic.

However, an intriguing thought has been floating around: the Winter Olympics. Traditionally, the Winter Games attract fewer viewers than their summer counterpart. Could this be an opening for cheerleading? While typically associated with warmer months, introducing cheerleading to the Winter Games might be the unexpected twist the sport needs to finally make its Olympic splash.

Are you ready to see cheerleading at the Olympic Games?