Cheerleader falls in pool after misstep at Pan Ams

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – A cheerleader drew cheers for the wrong reason at the Pan American Games after falling into the pool during a routine at the swimming venue.

Mariana de Leon went straight into the water after misjudging how far she was from the pool on Saturday. She was stepping back during one of her moves and didn’t realize she was close to the edge.

The crowd gasped and then cheered as one of her dancing teammates helped her out of the pool. The rest of the cheerleaders stopped briefly but continued their act, and de Leon quickly rejoined the group, despite a wet uniform.

She said she “went too far back and just slipped. It was a small accident, but I’m fine. The crowd even applauded me and cheered me up.”