Pictured: (L-R) Kyah Stonestreet, Aiden Blok, Tannah Ashford-Wykes. Courtesy of Bec Ashford-Wykes.
Local cheerleaders 13-year old Tannah Ashford-Wykes, 11-year old Aiden Blok and 12-year-old Kyah Stonestreet are all members of the Australian Cheer Union (ACU) team, which finished as World Champions at the 2025 International Cheer Union (ICU) Junior World Cheerleading Championships, which were held in Orlando, Florida (USA) over the 23-28th April.
Bec Ashford-Wykes said, “They (the Australian junior team) began team training on US soil from 19th April, and completed 4 training sessions together before competition began on 23rd April. (Keeping in mind the whole team had only previously come together to train over 3 training camps / weekends and most of their training was completed in smaller groups in their home states).
“On the morning of April 23rd, they participated in an Opening Ceremony, walking out behind the Australian flag, then competed in their semi final that afternoon. Although it wasn’t their best run, they finished the day sitting in first position.
“That evening, the ICU held a ‘cultural exchange’, where athletes from all of the participating countries came together and exchanged small gifts that represented their respective countries (our kids had things like Caramello Koalas, Tim Tams, Aussie flags, Vegemite packets and small koala and kangaroo toys which were well received). It was a fun vibe with DJ playing and lots of interaction between athletes.
“The following day, the team competed in the Finals. During the awards ceremony, they were announced in the Top Three, being Australia, Ireland and Columbia, which were all invited onto the stage.
“They (Australian team) were understandably extremely nervous whilst awaiting the placings, as it was very tight between the top three teams on Day Two. The young Australians were then announced as World Champions in the Youth Co-ed Intermediate Division, ahead of Columbia, then Ireland.
“They proudly stood on the first place podium whilst the national anthem was played – this happened to be Australia Day back home (24th April, Orlando time).”
