Lions’ head trainer honoured to represent Australia

Subiaco has had representation at an international level, after one of the club’s own represented Australia in cheerleading. The Lions were represented at the 2023 World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando by head trainer Maddison Oudman.

Australia was one of 52 countries represented, and Oudman was selected as part of a group of 24 to represent her nation, who took out the event.

She said it was an incredible experience.

“It was really cool to represent Australia and to compete and mingle in with the other countries,” Oudman said.

“To wear the green and gold is definitely something I never imagined I’d do.

“I’m completely honoured to be able to do that.”

Oudman has been competing in the sport for eight years, having started while she was in high school. She said her background made the transition to cheerleading much easier.

“I did dance as a kid, a little bit of gymnastics, but also the stunting elements, which is where you throw and catch people,” Oudman said.

“It’s a little different and it combines everything I love.

“It really is one of the ultimate team sports.”

It was the first time in 10 years Australia had sent over a national team in cheerleading. The process for selection involved a video application, followed by an in person event on the Gold Coast. From there, the team was selected, and training sessions were held in Melbourne and Sydney prior to the event in America. Australia’s team went well in the event, but Oudman said there were hiccups along the way.

“Unfortunately my flyer, the one who goes in the air for my group, injured her ankle on the Monday before we competed,” she said.

“By Tuesday we had an alternate flyer, but my group was learning how to do what we’ve been training for the last four months with someone else.

“It was really heartbreaking for my flyer, but what we managed to put together was pretty cool.”

Australia performed strongly over the two days, taking out the win after surpassing New Zealand who led after day one. It made all the balancing of training, work, and life at Subiaco worth the experience. Oudman has been at the club since 2017, coming on as a trainer under head of high performance (then Strength and Conditioning coach) Dan Hiscock.

Hiscock was one of her University lecturers as she completed her exercise and sports science degree. She’s been around ever since, having spent time as the head trainer of the Colts squad before returning to the role for the seniors.