Coco Brown, from Shortlands, who lives with autism, ADHD, and a speech and language disorder, has been selected for Team England’s median adaptive abilities cheerleading squad.
The team will compete at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Florida in April 2026.
At the trials for Team England, hundreds of athletes competed over two days for only 24 places.
Coco said she was “overwhelmed with joy” at the news of her selection.
Team England AA median programme directors, Toni Graham and Kat Knowles-Vaughan, said: “As always, the decision process has been deeply considered with a huge range of factors in mind, and spots have been the very intensely competitive.
“You’ve shown a very high level of elite athleticism, coachability, and skill to earn this position, alongside a great work ethic.
“We are so impressed with everyone’s hard work throughout our tryout process, and are incredibly excited to continue this year’s Team England journey with you.”
Coco’s journey has not been without challenges.
Last year, she suffered a third-degree chemical burn at a salon in Florida, which required skin graft surgery.
Her mother, Samantha, a learning support assistant at Langley Park School for Boys, said: “I am incredibly proud of Coco and everything she has overcome.
“To see her representing England after all she’s been through is just inspirational.”
Coco won’t be travelling to the championships alone.
Her older sister Tabitha, 19, an elite-level cheerleader, also secured a place on the squad during the same trials.
Next year, they will represent England against international teams from countries including the USA and Canada.
Coco said she is proud to represent the disabled community at such a high level.
She documents her journey on TikTok under the handle @cocoandburt.the.burn, where she shares her training, recovery, and advocacy.
