✨When Difference Rhymes with Performance (S3.1)
- janie724
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Episode of September 2, 2025
The Kick’s Cheer Podcast launches its third season with an extraordinary guest: Ariane Parent.
At only 16 years old, Ariane embodies strength, determination, and passion. A cheerleading athlete with achondroplasia (short stature), she has never let her condition define her. Instead, she has found in cheer an environment where her difference became a strength—a source of inspiration for her teammates and the entire community.
🤝 Cheerleading, a Sport of Inclusion
Ariane’s journey is, above all, a story of inclusion. From her very first steps, her coaches believed in her. They never tried to sideline her or reduce her role—instead, they adapted techniques, found solutions, and created an environment where she could shine just like anyone else.
Thanks to this support, Ariane was able to thrive despite her difference, moving from Level 1 to Level 3 in just a few years, and discovering everything she was capable of achieving.
🏆 The Essential Role of Coaches (Including Difference)
Ariane’s story shows just how crucial coaches are. Her coaches demonstrated creativity, openness, and above all, trust. With their guidance, Ariane overcame her initial fears—the fear of not being capable, of not being included—and became a full-fledged athlete, recognized for both her smile and her talent.
💪 Challenges Overcome and Personal Growth
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Transitioning quickly from a school team to a competitive club, learning advanced techniques, and adapting to high-level teams: these were all challenges Ariane faced with courage. Each obstacle strengthened her confidence, resilience, and passion.
🌈 The Benefits of Cheer in the Life of a Different Teen
Beyond practices and competitions, cheerleading has given Ariane so much more than a sport:
Self-confidence: she has learned to believe in her abilities.
Team spirit: she feels accepted and valued within her group.
Resilience: she has turned her differences into assets.
Joy of living: cheer has become her space of expression and happiness.
For Ariane, cheerleading isn’t just a sport—it’s a true engine of life.
🌍 A Promising Future
Her goal is clear: to compete at Worlds. With her contagious smile, boundless energy, and determination, she continues to inspire athletes, coaches, and parents alike, reminding us all that difference is not a barrier, but a strength.
🎧 A Must-Listen
This episode highlights not only the inspiring journey of Ariane Parent, but also the importance of inclusion and the essential role of coaches in supporting athletes with differences.
Comments