Girl, eight, in cheerleading team that wins national title

A PUPIL at Robert Piggott Junior School in Wargrave has won a national cheerleading competition.

Olivia Marshall, eight, was part of the Kick Twist that took the title at MK Arena in Milton Keynes.

The 14 girls were among 100 teams taking part in the competition with six in their category for six- to eight-year-olds.

They were scored on their tumbling, stunts, pyramid, jumps and dance across a two-minute routine and scored the top mark of 87.9 out of 100.

Olivia, who lives in Woodley, said: “I was very nervous but we got through it and we all had a good time.

“Our routine for this competition was sassy. That’s all I can say. We did some really cool moves, such as lifting people, and you have to do poses, you have to balance. I did backflips and cartwheels in the routine. I loved the adrenaline rush.

“It was all about having fun. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose.”

The girls, who all come from Woodley and Binfield, are coached by Kelsey Hudon and Lea-Anne Jordan at CrossFit in Woodley.

They are taught to support and encourage other teams so everyone feels they are on a level playing field.

Olivia’s mother, Maria, said: “The teams are taught to build each other up and not be looking at each other as competition.

“Once the competition’s done, they clear the floor and all the girls and boys from all the different teams have a big party. They’re dancing and singing — it’s brilliant.”

Olivia has competed in cheerleading competitions since she was five and for this competition, she had been training since September.

Mrs Marshall, who owns a cleaning business and used to live in Wargrave, said: “Olivia went through three regional competitions and then won the nationals in May. I am incredibly proud of her.

“If her team keep going the way they are, they can start competing in the American competitions, which are huge. Olivia wants to compete at a high level with the international teams because she aspires to be like the older girls and one of her coaches who competes internationally.”