Athlete of the Week: Giulia Belardo, Top Gun cheer

At only 12 years old, Giulia Belardo already has achieved what most competitive cheerleaders dream to achieve in their career. Although Belardo only has been cheering for four years, she already has won the National Championship two times and placed in second at the World Championship in 2025 at Junior Level 2 medium. 

Currently, she’s cheering on Top Gun’s Pink Assassins team, and the team has won the Allstar World Championship for three consecutive years. The flyer is a Senior Level 3 cheerleader, which means she is preforming intermediate to advanced skills, including extended one-legged stunts and round off back handspring tuck. 

What do you enjoy most about cheerleading?

I enjoy making new friends and competitions.

When did you start cheerleading, and why did you join?

Four years ago, I used to do gymnastics, and one day, I was invited to a trial class at Top Gun. I loved it and never stopped.

What is your biggest accomplishment in cheerleading?

My biggest accomplishment so far is making Pink Assassins.

What has cheerleading taught you?

Teamwork and never give up.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I would describe myself as kind and encouraging.

What advice would you give someone who just joined cheerleading?

I would say believe in yourself and keep practicing even when it’s hard; keep pushing, because you will get there.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

If you didn’t have a good day today, tomorrow is a new day.

What is your pre-competition ritual?

My pre-competition ritual is Starbucks. 

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why?

If I could pick a different sport, I would pick volleyball, because I am good at it and (I would be able to) play with my friends.

Who do you look up to the most?

I look up to Worlds team athletes.

What is something new you’d like to learn?

Baking. 

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I love Florida, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

If I won the lottery, I would save money and spend some on stuff that I enjoy. 

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas, because I love the feeling of it, and it’s just the best holiday. 

What future career do you want to have?

My future career I want to have is either to be a cheer coach or an interior designer.

If you became famous, what would it be for?

If I were famous I would probably be famous for either cheerleading or social media.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

Maybe a giraffe because they are one of my favorite animals.

What is your perfect day?

My perfect day would be a cheer comp day with a beautiful hit zero, scored a 99 and win first place at Grand Champs!

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? Why?

I would eat fruit because I love fruit way more than veggies.