Meet Shelby!
Shelby has recently made a move from Queensland, Australia to Colorado, USA She is currently cheering at Thrive Cheer Royals on Lady Reign. Her advice to all cheerleaders? Don't give up on your dreams, work hard and embrace your success. And don't forget to thank those who have supported you along the way, because they helped make your dreams a reality. Read more about Shelby in this blog post!
Age and Cheer team?
18, Colorado - USA, Thrive Cheer Royals; Lady Reign
When did you start cheer?
I started cheer when I was 4 years old in 2009!
What is the most rewarding aspect of cheer?
The most rewarding aspect of cheer as an athlete is having a place to go where I constantly am smiling and working hard, and just a place where I can truly be myself! As a coach it was seeing such young athletes have the time of their lives learning new skills and achieving things they never thought they could have - it is trtrulyuely rewarding to see people so happy doing a sport they love!
What are you most excited for this season?
Sadly, my season is about to end over here as we start comps in December and our last one is the World Championships in April, but I’m really looking forward to going to Worlds again! However, it also makes me extremely sad because this will be my last ever cheer comp and I have to leave the amazing people I’ve met over here and those who have looked after me as their own!
Have you had any setbacks?
I’ve had a few injuries that have definitely set me back like a broken elbow, torn mcl, concussions but the hardest set back I’ve had was probably losing my love for cheer for a bit due to a change. I luckily had the most supportive family and friends who really helped me figure out my feelings and helped me find a new path that regrew my love for cheer and I’m so extremely grateful for that!
What is your favourite part of cheer?
My favourite part of cheerleading is the friendships you make from this sport. My closest friends have come from cheer and I’m so extremely grateful for every friendship this sport has given me - especially the ones I have from all around the world!
What is your biggest achievement in cheer?
My biggest achievement so far has been being able to live the dream I’ve had of competing on an American cheer team and having all these amazing experiences I never in a million years thought I’d be able to have!
Favourite skill?
My favourite skill is a Russian punch front through to a double full
And finally...
Do you have any advice for other cheerleaders?
My advice to anyone in cheer is to never give up on your dreams. Work hard and apply yourself so that you can fulfil those dreams - even if they seem out of this universe big, you can achieve it! With that, don’t listen to anyone who wants to degrade or downplay the success you have worked so hard for, keep your chin up high and embrace what you have worked your bottom off for because it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!!
And just quickly, remember to thank those who work hard so that you can do the sport you love! Thank your parents, coaches, friends, and family! Without my mum, siblings, close friends, and amazing coaches I’ve had, I wouldn’t be where I am today - living the dream I’ve had since I was 4 years old - so to them I truely say the biggest Thankyou.