TOKYO – Cheering is frowned upon at the virus-postponed Olympics, but training continues at a Tokyo gym for an energetic squad of cheerleaders whose average age is 70.
To the beat of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” Fumie Takino, 89, twirled and waved her pompoms as her fellow cheerleaders showed off their standing splits.
“Members suffer from leg or back pain, but they’re working hard,” Takino, who founded the senior cheerleading squad “Japan Pom Pom” when she was 64 years old, told AFP.
There is a strict selection process for members, who must be over 55, and have to pass an audition and three-month trial period.