On 2 November 1898, standing in front of a crowd of sport fans, Johnny Campbell, a medical student, started conducting the cheer on the spur of the moment. He was so effective that the team won and he made history as the first cheerleader. And thus the current sport discipline was born.

When did cheerleading become a sport?

Modern cheerleading as we know it today began in the 1980s with flashy dance routines and gymnastics stunts. By 1997 cheerleading was recognized as an independent sport, attracting national attention. It wasn't until 1999 that the sport of cheerleading was met with official approval.

Who was the first person to cheer?

University of Minnesota student Johnny Campbell is considered the first cheerleader for involving the crowd in a collective cheer in 1898. Cheerleading grew in the early 20th century, incorporating gymnastics and allowing women to participate in the 1920s.