A Cheerleader in the Next Olympics?

Kat M., an NFL cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons has big dreams that may not be so far out of reach: the 2016 Summer Olympics. While we wish we could say it’s for cheerleading, it isn’t. It’s for a very different sport. But, as we’ve discovered from this news article, Kat M. is an extraordinary and inspirational athlete and cheerleader. 26-year-old Kat began her athletic career during childhood as a gymnast. At a young age, she had already reached level 10 – the highest level. Since then, she’s had dreams of going to the Olympics. But her journey took a turn over the years. When she had to choose between continuing gymnastics or being a cheerleader, she opted for the latter. In college, while attending Clemson , a track coach noticed the 5’8″ cheerleader and saw something special. Due to a combination of her height, body type, and gymnastics background, the coach encouraged Kat to start (you’ll never guess!) pole vaulting. Kat said (reported by the Atlanta Falcons website), “I went out to the track and [the coach] started teaching me how to do it and I picked it up really fast. So they threw me on the team and that was that.” Kat continued pole vaulting through college and into her masters program at the of Georgia. With only three years of pole vaulting experience under her belt she went into the Olympic trials for the 2012 Olympics with few expectations. Imagine her shock when she placed fifth – just two spots shy of making the Olympic team. Rather than quit, she decided to train for the 2016 Olympics. Now, Kat trains around five days a week at Georgia Tech for pole vaulting, practices for the Falcons cheer squad, and holds a full-time job as a Business Analyst at Piedmont Healthcare. As hectic as this schedule can be, Kat isn’t going to stop. She says, “I never let one thing define me. I don’t think I could prioritize one over the other. I obviously love cheering, but at the same time I love the athleticism so that’s where track comes in. I’ve always been really goal oriented and career driven so I honestly don’t know which one I would prioritize over the other.” Kat even has some advice for those with many interests: “I would say if it’s something that you’re interested in, or even moderately interested in, just don’t say no to stuff. Just be spontaneous and go try things. It’s amazing the people you’ll meet and the experiences you’ll have along the way. I just feel like some of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my life have come on a whim.” We love Kat’s story and think she’s an inspirational cheerleader. She’s proves several cheer myths wrong: she’s intelligent, educated, and a true athlete! News Source: Atlanta Falcons What do you think of Kat’s story? Were you inspired by her words? Do you juggle more than one sport? Tell us below!