Caitlyn Ridden and Starlets Cheerleading claim top spot at national competition

Caitlyn Ridden among national champion cheerleading squad

Caitlyn Ridden from Stanhope Gardens was among a cheerleading squad that took out a national competition last year. Pictures: Angelo Velardo

• Liam eyes Youth Olympics
• Hurdler breaks national record at Masters challenge

Cheerleading may be often overlooked in the wider sporting landscape, but the physicality and training it requires is as demanding as any other sport.

Just ask Caitlyn Ridden.

The nine-year-old from Stanhope Gardens represented Castle Hill’s Starlets Cheerleading at the nationals tournament last year.

Caitlyn and her team placed first in their division at the competition and earned top three finishes in all but one of the competitions they entered.

To achieve their stellar results, Caitlyn trains more than four hours every week and works on her skills and conditioning daily.

Caitlyn trains daily to keep herself at her physical peak.

But she says that winning at nationals made it all worth it.

“(I was) glad that all our hard work had been recognised,’’ she said.

Caitlyn’s mum Alexandra added: “Caitlyn is a team player who supports and strives to set an example to the younger girls on her team at all times.

“She works tirelessly and perseveres when skills are difficult to learn.”

Caitlyn is the latest nominee for the Rouse Hill Times Local Sports Stars awards, which are on until August 31. Prizes will be awarded to athletes aged 18 and under across four categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual and Young Sporting Spirit Team. There is also a Service To Sport category.

localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal