From Uncertainty to Bronze: Inside The 2026 FISU World University Cheerleading Championships 

When Monash University student-athletes Rachel Kipnis (Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science) and Jessica Tall (Bachelor of Business/Accounting) were selected to represent Australia at the 2026 FISU World University Cheerleading Championships, they weren’t sure they could commit. 

With limited time before the competition, the pair had to create a brand-new routine. The decision to take on the challenge ultimately saw them claim bronze in the Performance Cheer Pom Doubles in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

Bringing together 430 competitors from 16 teams, the championships showcased the highest level of university cheerleading, with Australia also claiming gold in the All Female Elite division and silver in the Performance Cheer Hip Hop Doubles. 

From balancing university with training, to walking onto the competition floor as Team Australia, here’s Rachel’s experience, in her own words, from an unforgettable week in Sweden. 

When Jessica and I found out we’d been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 FISU World University Cheerleading Championships, our first reaction wasn’t what most people would expect. 

We felt incredibly honoured, but with such a short preparation period, we weren’t sure we could create a routine we would be truly proud of. After weighing our options up, we decided to commit 100 per cent and trust ourselves to give this opportunity our very best shot. Looking back now, it was easily the best decision we could have made. 

Performance cheerleading is something I only discovered in my first year at Monash University after joining Monash Cheer and Dance. Before that, I had spent more than ten years dancing in a range of styles but joining the club introduced me to a completely new sport and opportunities I never imagined. 

Once Jessica and I committed to competing at the championships, the countdown to Sweden really began, and our biggest priority was choreographing our routine as quickly as possible.  

As the FISU competition required new music, we had to create an entirely new routine from scratch. Our incredible coach, Issy Grigoriants, choreographed a really competitive routine, and we trained at least three times a week to learn and refine every element. Once the routine was set, we wanted to emulate the competition environment as much as possible, so we performed in front of family and friends every chance we had. 

Balancing our preparation with university wasn’t easy, especially with the competition falling during semester and exam period. Thankfully, Monash University gave us the flexibility to pursue both our studies and this opportunity, which made all the difference. 

From the moment we arrived in Gothenburg and stepped into the athletes’ accommodation, everything felt real.  We were surrounded by university athletes from all over the world, and some of my favourite memories happened away from the competition floor. Sharing meals, getting to know athletes from different countries and trading pins, snacks and little trinkets during the Opening Ceremony and cultural exchange were experiences I’ll never forget. 

When competition day arrived, there was one moment where it really hit me that I was representing both Australia and Monash. Hearing us announced onto the competition floor as Team Australia and walking out under the lights wearing “Australia” across our uniforms is something I’ll carry with me forever. The UniRoos brought so much energy to the competition, and we really felt supported. 

Standing beside Jessica before we performed, there was a mixture of excitement and nerves, but mostly confidence in everything we’d done to get there. We reminded ourselves to trust the training, stay present, and enjoy the moment. More than anything, we wanted to perform a routine we were proud of and share our love for the sport with everyone watching. 

Winning bronze made all the hard work worthwhile. More than anything, I felt proud of what Jessica and I had achieved together. Looking back at where we started, questioning whether we should even go, made that moment even more special. 

One thing my coach, MJ, always says is: “What doesn’t challenge you doesn’t change you.” This experience brought those words to life. It taught me we’re often capable of far more than we think, and that stepping outside our comfort zone is where the biggest growth happens. I hope to find myself in more situations that challenge me to grow. 

If I could give one piece of advice to other Monash students thinking about representing their university through sport, it would simply be this: go for it. 

Joining Monash Cheer and Dance has given me so much more than the chance to compete. I’ve found a second family and experienced opportunities I never would have imagined. The memories and friendships I’ve made will stay with me for the rest of my life. 

From questioning whether they could be ready in time to returning home with bronze, Rachel’s week in Gothenburg marked a memorable chapter in her cheerleading journey.