Many people deny that cheerleading is a legitimate sport.  The truth is that the naysayers have likely never taken the time to examine the ins and outs of competitive cheerleading.  A few minutes of research reveals that competitive cheerleading is one of the most physically demanding and dangerous activities in which an athlete can participate.

The stunts performed by competitive cheerleaders are grueling and require a staggering amount of strength, agility, and concentration.  Unlike the majority of other sports, cheerleaders perform their craft with no pads or protective gear.  Statistics indicate that the number of injuries among high school cheerleaders is higher than in any other sport.

Another factor that legitimizes cheerleading as a sport is that the pursuit of titles has become a year-round effort.  Cheerleaders train like mad all year, much like Olympic gymnasts would train.  Unlike baseball, football, or basketball players, the cheerleader has no, "off season."

The funding that goes into being a competitive cheerleader is also substantial.  It takes money to travel, dress, and look the part, not to mention the cost of training itself.  

The bottom line is that competitive cheerleading is not for wimps.  And if you're among the group that doesn't consider cheerleading a legitimate sport, answer us this - when was the last time you did a back-handspring before being hoisted atop a human pyramid to balance on one foot in the hand of a teammate (who is holding your weight with just one arm over his head) in front of  thousands of people?