Kentucky Cheerleaders Perform at International Exhibition
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky cheerleaders wrapped up their trip to the Winter Olympics by representing the United States in the Wonju International Cheerleading Open on Monday in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
The UK/USA team was one of eight countries that performed at the event, along with Canada, Norway, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and host Korea. The Wonju Open was an exhibition that showcased the sport of cheerleading. The UK cheerleaders performed a routine similar to the one they used in January while winning their 23rd national championship at the Universal Cheerleading Association.
The Wonju Open was the conclusion of an incredible 12-day journey for the UK cheerleaders, which began on their arrival with a performance at a United States military base in Seoul. From there, the squad of 16 Wildcats continued to Pyeongchang for the Olympic festivities. The team showed its remarkable combination of agility, athleticism, strength and precision teamwork on numerous occasions during the Olympics.
“We were honored to be here and represent the United States,” Coach Jomo Thompson said. “Performing at the Olympic venues was fantastic. We performed at many of the Olympic sites throughout the city, including the Medal Plaza, the speed skating venue and the closing ceremonies. They were long days and nights but it was an incredibly rewarding experience.”
The cheerleaders return to Lexington on Wednesday and resume their normal lives of schoolwork and cheering — just in time to encourage the Wildcat basketball teams as they head into tournament action in March.
