I've been a cheerleader for seven years now. Now more than ever, cheer is intertwined with gymnastics. In order to win most competitions, your team needs to have backhand springs, back tucks and other stunts to win. I usually relate cheer to the Army. Although the styles are different, you have to be strict in movement and in your executions of the flips.
Most people think that being a cheerleader is just cheering on a bunch of ogres clad in padding.
In fact, I have always hated cheering at games. It's a waste of time, and I'd rather compete. Most of the cheerleaders I know feel the same way. I think that cheerleading is a sport. In our school we are totally not respected.