Israeli Cheerleading Pair Earns Place in European Final in Crete

Israeli cheerleaders Mili and Romi advanced to the final of the ICU European Performance Cheer Doubles Championships in Heraklion, Crete, securing a milestone for the sport in Israel. The pair competed in Youth Pom Doubles, earning one of 10 finalist places in a field of 31 pairs representing countries across Europe.

The result came at Israel’s first appearance at the championships since cheerleading gained official recognition as a sport in the country and the Israeli Cheerleading Union was recognized as its national governing body. Reaching the final gave the newly recognized union an early achievement in international competition.

More than 1,100 participants from 24 countries took part in the championships. The Israeli delegation consisted of four pairs entered in youth and senior categories, with Mili and Romi securing their place in the final through the Youth Pom Doubles competition.

Their performance followed years of efforts to build cheerleading in Israel. That work has included developing a competitive framework and preparing athletes to take part in international events, alongside efforts to expand the sport’s presence within the country.

Cheerleading combines athletic ability with strength and flexibility, while also requiring precision, coordination and teamwork. As the sport continues to develop in Israel, the union is working to nurture another generation of athletes and strengthen the country’s participation in international cheerleading.

Dr. Lyudmila Yasinska-Demri, the Israeli Cheerleading Union’s founder and professional director, described the result as a significant moment for those involved in building the sport. She said official recognition had arrived this year after years of development work, and that the union had reached a final at its first European championships as a recognized national governing body.

Yasinska-Demri said Mili and Romi’s achievement demonstrated that Israeli athletes had the talent to compete at Europe’s highest levels. She also expressed pride in all of the athletes representing Israel, extending her praise beyond the pair who qualified for the final.

The union’s professional director said work would continue to develop cheerleading and pursue further success internationally. For the organization, the final appearance represents an early competitive result as it seeks to build on official recognition, support developing athletes and strengthen Israel’s presence in the sport abroad.