GLOBAL NEWS: After a historic, jaw-dropping performance that stunned an audience around the world, ESPN named the Tennessee cheerleading squad the best in the world! “A World-Shaking Performance—The Tennessee Cheerleaders Reach New Heights and Push the Boundaries of Athleticism!”

In a spectacle that left an international audience breathless, the University of Tennessee cheerleading squad delivered a groundbreaking performance that has been universally hailed as one of the most electrifying and innovative in cheerleading history. In a unanimous decision that stunned the sporting world, ESPN has named the Tennessee cheerleaders the **best in the world**, following their jaw-dropping routine at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship held in Tokyo, Japan.

The announcement, made during ESPN’s primetime broadcast and echoed across digital and international platforms, marks a historic moment not only for the university but for the sport itself. The Tennessee squad’s performance was described by analysts, athletes, and spectators alike as a “perfect fusion of athleticism, precision, and art.”

For years, the Tennessee cheer program has been regarded as a powerhouse in collegiate athletics. But what unfolded in Tokyo was more than a display of school spirit—it was a manifestation of years of training, innovation, and relentless commitment to excellence.

“This isn’t just about flips and chants,” said ESPN commentator and former gymnast Aly Raisman. “What we witnessed was a choreographed masterpiece—a blend of Olympic-level gymnastics, military-like synchronization, and raw passion. They didn’t just perform; they redefined what cheerleading could be.”

The Tennessee cheerleaders’ gold-medal routine showcased never-before-seen stunts, including a never-executed five-tier pyramid and a double back-handspring transition twist that stunned even the judges. The music, an original mashup of modern orchestral and traditional Southern fight song elements, served as a perfect backdrop for the 2.5-minute routine that left the audience in Tokyo Dome standing in awe.

Midway through the routine came the stunt now being called the “Tennessee Skywalk”—a formation in which five cheerleaders were launched in sequence across a 30-foot diagonal spread of spotters, executing synchronized mid-air tucks before sticking their landings with gymnastic precision. As the final cheerleader landed, the crowd erupted into cheers that shook the building.

“It was the loudest I’ve ever heard an audience at any cheer competition,” said International Cheer Union President Junko Morita. “And I’ve judged over 100 international events. The Tennessee team brought something to the mat that no one was prepared for.”

That moment instantly went viral. Social media exploded with hashtags like **#TennesseeSkywalk**, **#WorldBestCheer**, and **#RockyTopTakeover**. Within hours, the routine had been viewed over 75 million times on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

Following the performance, ESPN executives made the rare decision to break into scheduled coverage with a global newsflash segment declaring the Tennessee squad as “**the greatest cheerleading team in the world**.”

“This is a declaration that transcends college rankings,” said ESPN Senior VP of Editorial Programming, Rachel Emerson. “We’re talking about a standard of performance that surpassed national boundaries, surpassed expectations, and brought a new level of artistry and athleticism to cheerleading. They earned this recognition.”

ESPN analysts also noted that Tennessee’s routine scored a perfect 100 from five out of seven international judges, a feat never before achieved in the event’s 42-year history.

The squad is led by head coach Morgan Elam, who took over the program in 2018. A Tennessee alumna and former All-American cheerleader herself, Elam has transformed the team from a traditional collegiate squad into a global contender.

“This group isn’t just athletic—they’re visionary,” Elam said. “They’ve worked year-round, putting in 6 a.m. practices, weight training, dance conditioning, and countless hours perfecting their timing. This moment is the product of every sacrifice and every bruise.”

Elam credits the team’s success to a shift in philosophy that emphasizes *artistic storytelling through movement* as much as raw physical ability.

“We told a story,” said team captain Sierra Brooks, a senior majoring in kinesiology. “We wanted the world to know what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer—not just with our words, but through every flip, stunt, and shout.”

The 2025 squad includes 36 athletes from 17 different states and three countries, highlighting the international draw of the program. Among them are former gymnasts, ballet dancers, martial artists, and track athletes, all bringing unique physical skill sets.

One standout performer, junior Jaxon Taylor, a former Junior Olympic gymnast from Atlanta, executed a mid-air round-off double layout—something rarely attempted in cheerleading.

“What Tennessee is doing is pushing the boundaries between cheer, acrobatics, and Cirque du Soleil-style performance,” said Olympic coach Liang Zhao, who was in attendance in Tokyo. “They’re creating a new genre.”

Cheerleading has long fought for its recognition as a legitimate sport. With Tennessee’s performance, many believe the tides have finally turned.

Within 24 hours of the performance, international sports forums and governing bodies reignited discussions about making competitive cheerleading a permanent fixture in the Olympic Games. The IOC, which had granted provisional recognition to the sport in 2021, issued a formal statement praising the “inspirational and transformative performance” of the Tennessee squad.

“This is the kind of impact we dream about,” said Morgan Elam. “To be a part of a movement that changes how the world sees our sport? It’s humbling and exhilarating.”

Athletes and celebrities across sports have weighed in on the viral performance.

* **Simone Biles**, Olympic gold medalist: “Absolutely insane! These athletes are unreal. That pyramid? That’s Olympic-worthy.”
* **LeBron James**, NBA superstar: “Respect to the Tennessee squad. That was next-level. I’d pay to see that show.”
* **Serena Williams**, tennis legend: “It’s more than cheerleading—it’s performance art. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.”

NFL teams, NBA organizations, and even K-pop entertainment companies have reportedly reached out to inquire about collaborations, appearances, and performance rights.

Back in Tennessee, thousands gathered at Neyland Stadium for an impromptu celebration hosted by the university. Chancellor Donde Plowman addressed the crowd, calling the team “the pride of the Volunteer State and now, the pride of the world.”

“We’ve always known our cheerleaders were special,” Plowman said. “But now the world knows too.”

The state of Tennessee has since declared April 15th “Tennessee Cheer Day,” with parades planned in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.

With international attention now fixated on the team, offers are pouring in for world tours, exhibition performances, documentary deals, and more. Elam, however, remains focused on the mission.

“We’re not done,” she said. “This is a milestone, but not a finish line. We’ve just shown what’s possible. Now it’s time to build on it.”

The team is expected to perform during the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, where they will be featured in a special halftime segment for a global broadcast audience.

Netflix and Amazon Studios are also reportedly in negotiations for a behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling the squad’s rise to global prominence, tentatively titled *“Rocky Top: Reaching for the Sky.”*

In the pantheon of great sports moments, Tennessee’s 2025 cheerleading performance is sure to stand the test of time. More than a victory, it was a cultural milestone—one that inspired awe, shifted perceptions, and elevated the art of movement.