Name Robyn

Team:  TEAM IRELAND JUNIOR ALL GIRL ADVANCED

Position: BASE

Age: 15

Career Goal: Still pondering! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does it mean to you to represent your country?

I am very excited to be on the first junior Irish team at the ICU World Championships. I feel so honoured that I was chosen to represent my country. It’s a whole different vibe from representing your own program, the pressure is different, but I can’t wait to wear the Irish flag and compete at Worlds.

 

What do you most enjoy about Cheerleading?

I love the fact that I get to participate in a team sport with some of my closest friends. The opportunities cheer has presented to me are amazing, and I don’t think I would have achieved half the things if I was in another sport, .i.e. represent my country.

What do you feel are your main strengths in Cheerleading are?
I feel my strengths are jumps and stunting. I love the feeling of hitting new stunts and the challenges they present. It’s not always easy to do, but I like to keep trying.

 

How many years have you been on Team Ireland for e.g. first year, second year etc

This is my first year….I hope to do it again too. The journey so far has been amazing

 

Why did you want to try out for Team Ireland?

It’s hard to remember what I was feeling before I tried out. I know teammates who have been to worlds before told me how amazing it was and I wanted to experience that for myself. I actually didn’t think I would even get on the team, but I did, and it has really boosted my confidence.

Name a quote that keeps you motivated.

When things go wrong, don’t go with them!

 

Favourite skills e.g cheer stunt, tumble or dance move.

Stunt All Day!!! I really love switch-ups to stretch, we’ve got that down a T!

 

Share something that makes you happy:

My little brothers! They’re crazy and very funny, they can always brighten a dull day!

 

Which ICU Team are you most excited to see and why?

Team Germany Junior Advanced – They won the junior advanced division last year and I can’t wait to see what they can bring this year.

 

How many years of experience do you have in your field?

I have been cheering for 5 years!

 

Which team are you apart of or have you been previously apart of?

I compete on Strike Force Lady Mafia and Strike Force Teal!

 

What was it like when you attended try-outs for Team Ireland?

I was intimidated especially during the tumbling section. I am not a tumbler, so I was nervous about that. There was a lot of talented athletes in the gym all wanting the chance to represent Ireland. I felt confident when it came to the stunting part as I had been working stunts with my own team before trials.

 

What has been your major highlights/achievements while being a part of Team Ireland?

We recently performed our routine at the Northern Ireland Championships and it was good to see everything come together, we were finally a team, ready to show Ireland what we can do!

 

Describe the funniest thing that’s happened to you while you were at training.

I like to catch stunts with my face! For some reason, I just don’t move quick enough. Last week I panicked and told everyone I couldn’t see…until another team member told me to open my eyes! It was a miracle, I was healed!

 

What stunts/ techniques have you found interesting to learn and why?

The style of ICU cheering is different, it’s clean and less sassy. I have never had to perform a cheer in my life, now I’m doing it! It’s not as simple as it may seem. We have to hold good pace, be clear, enthusiastic and sharp. You are literally exhausted even before the routine start.

 

What does Worlds mean to you?

The best of the best! It’s where the world goes to cheer. I see it as the holy grail of cheerleading like the Olympics is to many other sports. It’s sometimes hard to take it all in, but I’m excited

 

What advice would you give to someone who was scared to try-out for Team Ireland this year?

Don’t overthink it, just do it, you never know what’s going to happen and what the coaches are looking for!

 

What will you miss about Team Ireland and why?

I’ll miss my friends from different gyms/teams. We’ve become really close and we probably won’t see each other as much!

 

What are you most excited to experience at Worlds 2019?

Competing/Going to Florida and getting to see all the US all-star teams!

Name a team from Team Ireland and internationally that you are most excited to watch and explain why?

I’m excited to be a part of Strike Force Lady Mafia we are in the IO5 division for the first time!

005 is my dream time….and I can’t wait to see them kill it!

 

It was lovely to hear your stories Robyn and I can’t wait to see you on the Worlds floor.