Canberra cheerleaders compete in US competition

A 14-strong contingent from Mitchell-based Sirens Cheerleaders travelled overseas in late January to compete in the Duel in the Desert Championship held in Palm Springs, California.

Head coach Rianna McDougall said the touring team, Fusion, was an amalgamated team of hardworking athletes ranging from 10 to 18 year-olds.

"We had to draw athletes from all of our squads," she said.

"We took all those that wanted to go for our first trip because it is a really special opportunity and one we wanted to offer to everyone in the right age group."

McDougall said as soon as suitcases filled with hairspray, uniforms, cheer shoes and make-up were unpacked, a team excursion for a Californian spray tan was in order.

She said all-star cheerleading was judged over six cheer levels and Fusion competed with a level two routine.

"The girls gave up a lot of their school holidays and were in our sprung floor gym four hours a day, four days a week, for two intensive weeks before we left," McDougall said.

Hours of practice and perspiration culminated with a two and-a-half minute routine in front of the judges.

"It's a tiny blip of time to show off all your skills perfectly and everyone has to be synchronised to pull it off," McDougall said.

Emily Hessen, 14, was the eldest of three sisters who travelled from her home in Bonner to compete as part of Fusion.

It was the first time the year 9 student – and sisters Olivia, 12, and Sophia, 11 – had been to the US.

The sisters were enamoured by the scale of the sport there.

"It was incredible to get to go to the US, let alone going to Duel in the Desert and see some of the best teams in the world," Emily said.

"In America cheer is just massive.

"I would love for it to be like that in Australia."

McDougall said that preparations were already under way to take part in more international competitions.

"We are working toward a competition in Hawaii in two years," she said.