Why is it associated? It is associated to the tune of 2 million dollars that have gone to the cheer, gymnastics, diving, track and field, and other athletes via programs at universities, including scholarships. 85% of these athletes come from a cheer gym or high school background.....Why would these university coaches not look at these athletes?I never said people couldn't commend or embrace this. Its a really cool new sport...But I was a Gymnast for my whole life...i left gymnastics for the excitement and adrenaline of cheer. That meet had the same pace and Atmosphere as a good gymnastics meet (personally I would say gymnastics is now more exciting). Honestly this meet seemed to drag on forever and get more and more boring. Gymnastics is a slow paced sport, but u wait and hold your breath for those moments that take your breath away like the amazing dismounts or release moves...i watched the whole meet and didn't have an eye catching moment. Your right it is as far from gymnastics as it is from cheer, It is its OWN sport. Which makes me wonder why its associated with cheer at all.