Chantelle Van Der Linden is a rising star in cheer leading.By Kath Gannaway
AFTER finding her feet in dance and gymnastics, Chantelle Van Der Linden is reaching new heights in a sister-sport that really cheers her up.
The 11-year-old from Launching Place returned from the All Star Cheer Leading Championships in New Zealand as part of a winning team, and with a swag of individual trophies.
Competing in the U12, Teens 12 and over and juniors U14 sections, Chantelle clinched 12 medals, including five gold.
Her club, Dancers’ Edge in Wantirna, also came home as champions after competing against New Zealand’s best clubs.
The club has cheered for basketball clubs including Bulleen Boomers, Dandenong Rangers and the Knox Raiders and for special events with the Melbourne Tigers.
Chantelle has been cheer leading for 18 months and practised four nights a week in preparation for the New Zealand championships.
She says she can’t get enough of it.
“It’s great fun. I love the gymnastics and lifting the most and performing as a group.
“I’ll be doing it for as long as I can … I never get tired of it,” she said.
