I first started dancing at 2 years old, and it has been my (literal) life long dream to compete at the Olympics of dance and cheerleading, the ICU World Championships. Being selected on the inaugural Team Australia national teams for the pom and jazz divisions has been such an honour, and I have dedicated every ounce of my time, my energy and my body to training for this event. Wearing the green and gold is an indescribable feeling and I hope to make Australia proud!

Though performance cheerleading is recognised by the Olympics as an eligible sport and is competing for a spot at the 2032 Olympics, the Australian government does not recognise our governing body, meaning we get no financial support. Over the past six months, I have travelled domestically four times, driven seven hours every weekend to attend state-based training, had to pay for costumes, merchandise, and supplies. I have also had to cover the cost of entry to the competition, flights and accommodation in the United States. This has amounted in over $15000 of expenses.

Though being selected on these teams is the highest honour, my proudest achievement, and has definitely been worth every penny, it has involved a significant financial commitment that athletes in other sports do not have to front. I am not hoping to raise funds to cover the entire trip, but just to subsidise additional expenses that have been required of me as a Team Australia athlete.

I am already so grateful for the immense support I have received from my family and friends, and your encouragement, belief in me and friendship means more to me than any financial donation. Thank you all so much for backing me on what has been an incredibly tough journey to this point. I wouldn't be here without you! 🐨💗