Lismore-based cheerleading team, Adrenaline Cheer Elite (A.C.E), has won third place whilst competing in their first international competition.

The Lismore App reported earlier this month about A.C.E preparing to take their skills to the 2023 Global Dance + Cheer Games in Hawaii.

This competition brings together the best cheerleading teams from around the world to showcase their skills and compete for the title of global champions.

A.C.E owner and coach Natasha Herne said it was an incredible result, given everything the gym has been through.

“I want to take a moment to appreciate this journey and all of my amazing athletes,” she said.

“5 years since I opened my very own cheerleading gym, and I’ve survived though covid, floods and being a young business owner.”

“I have levelled up and I have taken my incredible cheerleading gym to our first international competition in Hawaii, and to make it even better we finished in the top 3!”

“This is solidifying our presence in the international cheerleading arena.”

14 athletes from across the region, including Lismore, Woodburn, Coraki, and Evans Head competed in Hawaii on May 20 and May 21.

Natasha said A.C.E got hit hard by the flood, losing everything and having to rebuild the facility.

“We faced countless challenges along the way, both as a team and as individuals.”

“There were moments when exhaustion threatened to overpower us and doubt crept into our minds, but what sets us apart is our unyielding spirit and the indomitable will to succeed.”

“We leaned on each other, supported one another through those tough times, and reminded ourselves of the bigger picture - to showcase our talent, passion, and the power of teamwork on an international stage.”

A.C.E is no stranger to the competitive cheerleading scene, having won a number of major titles in recent years. However, this was their first time competing on an international level.

Natasha spoke to us during our last interview about the level of training that goes into preparing for an event like this.

“The majority of the athletes are training at least six times a week, for two to three hours at a time, and every weekend is taken up too – it’s a big commitment.”

“It's a sport that is welcoming to every single person, there's honestly something for everyone here.”

“Cheerleading is a mixture of gymnastics, acrobatics, dance, tumbling - it's just all the best bits of everyone's favourite sport, into one sport – it’s really fun and it's definitely a sport unlike any other sport!”