I see this as a positive for the professional
development of cheerleading worldwide, but it also opens the door to negativity.
Hopefully there will be more rules and regulations, especially in relation to scoring. Many other countries will learn about what all-star cheer is. I have explained it to many of my friends, including some who didn't even know cheerleading existed in Australia. It's one of the fastest growing sports down under, but there are still so many people who don't know about it yet.
Many people think that adding in so many new sports devalues the Olympic medals. I am of the belief that people shouldn't make fun of each other's sports. Be grateful that someone out there has found a sport that will keep them fit and happy, whether it be netball, gymnastics, soccer, synchronised swimming or cheer. Cheer receives so much criticism simply because people don't understand it. We need to educate, and sadly some news reporters don't know the difference between sideline and competitive. One even went as far to say cheer shouldn't be in the Olympics. Negativity is not what any sport needs. Talking about cheer in the Olympics has some people saying, "Cheer is just as dumb as sport x". Synchronised swimming looks so hard. You have to hold your breath while lifting up other people and stay positive (facials!) while being perfectly in time with your team. Figure skating? I can't even get very far skating around the edge of the rink without falling over. Rhythmic gymnastics requires so much coordination with the balls, hoops etc and you have got to have amazing dance talent and flexibility too. Just because my sport isn't your cup of tea, no need to criticise. /endrant