Meet Team Australia’s Flag Bearers: Zaliah Keen and Abigail Hamilton

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Sixteen-year-old Zaliah Keen and multi-discipline athlete Abigail Hamilton had a

moment to remember over the weekend, selected to carry the Australian flag at the opening ceremony of the ICU Asian and Oceania Cheerleading Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The honour celebrated not only their achievements as athletes, but the leadership

and pride they bring to the Australian cheerleading and dance community.

At just 16 years old, Zaliah has been cheerleading for eight years and has

represented Team Australia on three occasions, including three selections to the

Junior All Girl (JAG) program. She first tried out for Team Australia in 2025,

motivated by the opportunity to challenge herself alongside some of the best athletes in the country.

“Being chosen as a flag bearer was such an honour. I feel so grateful that I get to represent my country, family and friends, and be part of something so incredible, surrounded by so many amazing athletes doing what we all love,” Zaliah said.

“I love cheerleading because it pushes you to become stronger, not just physically but mentally. It has made me a better athlete, teammate and person. I love the bond I have built with people who I now consider family.”

For Zaliah, Team Australia has provided opportunities to grow as an athlete and

person, while forming friendships and connections that extend well beyond the

competition floor.

Abigail brings a uniquely impressive record to the role, having represented Team

Australia across four disciplines: cheerleading, jazz, pom and hip hop. Her

international experience includes the 2024 ICU World Cheerleading Championships, the 2026 ICU World Championships and now the 2026 ICU Asian and Oceania Championships.

A versatile athlete, Abigail has earned praise from her coaches for her drive, work

ethic, commitment, talent and leadership. Outside her own training and competition commitments, she also coaches cheerleading and dance, supporting the development of other athletes and contributing to the future of the sport. As a Team Australia Youth Ambassador, she also plays a role in representing and inspiring the wider Team Australia community.

Both athletes continued to make their mark throughout the championships. Abigail was part of the gold medal-winning Hip Hop team, TAHO and silver medal-winning Pom team, TAPO, while Zaliah helped the Junior All Girl Cheer team, JAG secure a silver medal.

Their performances contributed to an outstanding campaign for Team Australia,

which was crowned Overall Oceania Champions, returning home with three gold

medals and two silver medals across the competition.

For Zaliah and Abigail, carrying the Australian flag was a moment that captured the significance of wearing the green and gold. It was an opportunity to recognise the families, friends, coaches and teammates who have supported their journeys, while proudly representing the country they call home.

The Australian Cheer Union congratulates Zaliah, Abigail and the entire Team

Australia contingent on their achievements at the ICU Asian and Oceania

Cheerleading Championships.