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Laura Vikmanis

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Laura Vikmanis
Born
Laura Lynette Vikmanis

(1968-09-10) September 10, 1968 (age 56)
Springboro, Ohio
Alma materCalifornia State University, Long Beach
Occupation(s)NFL Cheerleader, dietician, fitness trainer, and author
Years active2009–2014
Height5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
SpouseBrian Robb (divorced)
ChildrenCourtney Robb (daughter)
Marija Robb (daughter)
Parent(s)Linda Horn (mother)
Juris Vikmanis (father)

Laura Lynette Vikmanis (previously Robb; born September 10, 1968) is an American dietitian, personal trainer, and dancer who was a professional cheerleader for the Cincinnati Ben–Gals, the cheerleading squad of the Cincinnati Bengals. She was the oldest cheerleader in National Football League history, at 40 years of age when she joined in 2009.[1] She is also a co-author of the book It’s Not About the Pom-Poms.[2]

Biography

Vikmanis is from Springboro, Ohio. As a child, Vikmanis danced for Dance Theater Dayton and attended John F. Kennedy Junior High School, where she was a member of the cheerleading squad. She attended Fairmont High School and was a member of the Fairmont Firebird Drill Team. She graduated from Fairmont High School in 1986.[3] After high school, Vikmanis attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Food Administration. She is a certified dietitian and personal trainer. Although raised Presbyterian, she married Brian Robb, a Roman Catholic, in a Catholic ceremony.[4] They later had two daughters, who are both competitive cheerleaders. After filing for divorce, Vikmanis decided to pursue a career in professional cheerleading.[5]

In 2018 Vikmanis spoke out against gender-based discrimination in the NFL.[6]

Career

Vikmanis works as a registered dietitian and personal trainer for Nutrition and Wellness Specialists. She works with weight loss, weight management and cardiovascular nutrition. She teaches group fitness classes as well as private personal training sessions.[7] Vikmanis made the squad in 2009. At the age of 39 she tried out for the Ben–Gals and made it to the finals cuts, but was not put on the team. She tried out again the following season and made the team.[8][9] Since making the Ben–Gals, Vikmanis received huge publicity and has appeared on various television networks and talk shows. In March 2012, her book, co-written by Vikmanis and Amy Sohn, titled It's Not About the Pom-Poms was released.[10] In 2012, Vikmanis would have been dethroned from the honor of being the oldest cheerleader in the league by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader-hopeful Sharon Simmons, at 55, but Simmons was unable to make the squad.[11][12] Vikmanis went on to qualify and be member of the Bengal squad for 3 more years.[13]

Film

New Line Cinema picked up the rights to make a film on Vikmanis' life story. The upcoming film, whose name is yet to be released, is being written by Gnomeo and Juliet and Ratatouille writers Emily Cook and Kathy Greenberg.[5][14]

References

  1. ^ Bishop, Lauren (2012-03-15). "A story of cheers - and tears". News.cincinnati.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-17. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  2. ^ "BARNES & NOBLE | It's Not About the Pom-Poms: How a 40-Year-Old Mom Became the NFL's Oldest Cheerleader-and Found Hope, Joy, and Inspiration Along the Way by Laura Vikmanis, R". Barnesandnoble.com. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  3. ^ "Springboro mom a Ben-Gal, among other things". Daytondailynews.com. 2009-11-30. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  4. ^ It's Not About the Pom-Poms: How a 40-Year-Old Mom Became the NFL's Oldest ... - Laura Vikmanis, Amy Sohn - Google Books
  5. ^ a b "Spirited Success Story: Oldest NFL Cheerleader Gets Movie Deal – TIME.com". Time. 2011-04-02.
  6. ^ https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2018/04/13/laura-vikmanis-former-ben-gal-addresses-discrimination/515754002/
  7. ^ "The Today Show! | Skinny | Skinny Mom | How to get skinny fast | Get Skinny | Skinny tips by modern fit and Skinny moms". Skinny Mom. 2010-07-26. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  8. ^ "Second Act: Laura Vikmanis - Yahoo! News". News.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 2012-07-12. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  9. ^ "You've Got Laura Vikmanis video from Answers.com Videos". Video.answers.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-16. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  10. ^ "Laura Vikmanis: "Its Not About the Pom-Poms" | Skinny | Skinny Mom | How to get skinny fast | Get Skinny | Skinny tips by modern fit and Skinny moms". Skinny Mom. 2012-03-20. Archived from the original on 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  11. ^ Chase, Chris (2012-05-07). "Grandmother auditions to be Dallas Cowboys cheerleader | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  12. ^ "WHAM Morning News Daily Recap - ROCHESTER'S NEWS LEADER NEWSRADIO 1180 WHAM". Wham1180.com. 2012-07-04. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  13. ^ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/12/opinion/cheerleading-nfl-gender-discrimination.html
  14. ^ Life Story Of NFL's Oldest Cheerleader Laura Vikmanis To Hit The Big Screen | Radar Online
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