ORLANDO, FL – The National Cheerleading Team of Greece, the Amazons Cheerleading Club, is competing in Orlando at the World Cheerleading Championships, April 24-27, in Orlando. The award-winning team continues to build on its success, winning the silver in the Senior Hip Hop category and in Junior All Girl Advanced category at this year’s competition.
Evangelia Kritikou, the head of national teams and member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Cheerleading Federation, spoke with The National Herald about the Amazons and cheerleading in Greece ahead of the World Championships.
TNH: How did you first become involved in cheerleading?
Evangelia Kritikou: I took my first steps in cheerleading in 2002-2003, and in 2003, I participated in my first international competition at the BCA in England. That first appearance became the turning point for everything that followed. It prompted Karl Olson, the current President of the International Cheer Union, to reach out to us. From the very beginning, he generously offered us the know‑how of the sport and guided us step by step in building the foundations of cheerleading in Greece.
He first sent Liz Rifino, the Chair of Judges, to train us according to international rules and to establish the first official framework of technical education in the country. From that moment on, our collaboration with the International Cheer Union grew steadily, providing continuous education, technical guidance, and access to top‑level coaches.
With this international support, I founded Amazons, now the largest cheerleading club in Greece and national champion across all divisions. Amazons have earned medals at European Championships and — most importantly— a World Championship medal last year, a historic achievement for Greece.
The National Cheerleading Team of Greece, the Amazons Cheerleading Club, is competing in Orlando at the World Cheerleading Championships, April 24-27. Photo: Courtesy of the Amazons Cheerleading Club
I later established the National Federation, officially integrating the sport into the structures and standards of the Ministry of Sports. The Federation continues to grow and gain ground in international forums, proving that cheerleading in Greece now has solid foundations, structure, and global recognition.
TNH: Is there much interest in the sport today in Greece?
EK: Cheerleading is currently the fastest‑growing sport in Greece. Every day, more and more children join, parents embrace the sport, and new clubs and coaches emerge wanting to become part of this expanding community. The presence of Clint Johnson in recent years has accelerated this growth dramatically, bringing expertise, structure, and high‑level coaching standards. The sport now has momentum, vision, and a community that grows stronger every single day.
TNH: What should National Herald readers know about the National Cheerleading Team?
EK: The National Team is composed of athletes who have gone through demanding selection processes and represent Greece at European and World Championships. Their preparation follows international standards, supported by experts from abroad, with the goal of delivering routines of high difficulty and flawless execution. Behind every performance lies enormous dedication, discipline, and personal sacrifice — something the wider Greek community in the United States and beyond deserves to know and appreciate.
TNH: What is the most challenging aspect of coaching the National Team?
EK: The greatest challenge is achieving uniformity and technical precision. Cheerleading requires absolute synchronization, strength, flexibility, and mental stability. Additionally, preparation often takes place with limited resources, which makes access to specialized facilities, equipment, and elite‑level coaching more difficult. Despite this, our athletes consistently rise above the obstacles with passion and professionalism.
The National Cheerleading Team of Greece, the Amazons Cheerleading Club, is competing in Orlando at the World Cheerleading Championships, April 24-27. Photo: Courtesy of the Amazons Cheerleading Club
TNH: What is the most rewarding aspect?
EK: The most rewarding part is witnessing the evolution of the athletes — not only in their performance, but in their character. Seeing children who started timidly grow into high‑level athletes, gaining confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills, is truly fulfilling. And of course, nothing compares to the moment when the team steps onto the international stage and makes Greece proud. The ultimate highlight, however, is seeing the Greek flag rise on the podium in more and more divisions, both at European and World level.
TNH: How can National Herald readers support the team?
EK: Support from the wider Greek community in the United States and beyond is essential. To elevate the level of services and conditions we offer our athletes — and therefore aim for even greater international achievements— sponsorship support is absolutely necessary. We need assistance to secure: better training facilities, specialized equipment, access to international‑level coaches, travel and competition expenses.
With the support of the Greek community abroad, we can take the next major step and raise Greece even higher on the world cheerleading stage.
The National Cheerleading Team of Greece, the Amazons Cheerleading Club, is competing in Orlando at the World Cheerleading Championships, April 24-27. Photo: Courtesy of the Amazons Cheerleading Club
TNH: What are you and the team looking forward to the most at the competition in April?
EK: We look forward to presenting our work against the top countries in the world. It is an opportunity to showcase the progress of Greek cheerleading, measure our strength, and aim for even higher placements. Every such event is a step forward — for the athletes, for the team, and for the sport as a whole.
Naturally, our primary goal is to win a medal. We have worked extremely hard, and we believe we can achieve it. We also have several divisions with strong potential for top‑eight placements, and we would be thrilled to secure as many finalist positions as possible across all categories.
TNH: How do you see the future of cheerleading in Greece?
EK: The future is extremely promising. The sport is growing at a pace we have never seen before: new athletes, new clubs, new coaches, and a community that expands daily. Amazons, the largest club in Greece, have already earned medals at European Championships and — most importantly— a World Championship medal last year, a historic milestone for the country.
With proper organization and the sponsorship support we need, Greece can establish itself as a true force in global cheerleading, achieving strong international presence, more medals, and consistently high placements.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazonesvaris/
Website: https://amazons.gr/
