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sportsmanship

Joy

The music cut out mid-routine at a cheer competition. 10,000 people stepped in to help.

The cheerleaders in the crowd immediately counted and clapped in unison to help keep the routine going.

Music goes out in the middle of a cheer competition

Competitive cheerleading is one of the most difficult activities out there. At any given moment, you're flipping, spinning or getting tossed in the air all while shouting chants and trusting your stunt group will catch you. Throw some dancing in the mix and it's like a mash-up of gymnastics, dance and acrobatics that requires tight ponytails and plastered-on smiles even when it hurts.

It's a sport that gets little respect outside of other cheerleaders and their family members, but the training is intense. The private tumbling lessons so you can land your back handspring full twisting layout before tryouts. Gym nights so long you may as well live there, all leading up to important competitions where all of your hard work is on full display.

Imagine putting in all that time, only to have the music stop while you're mid-routine at that competition you just drove hours to get to.

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This article originally appeared on 10.24.19


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