Final answer:
The American Medical Association officially recognizes cheerleading as a sport, researchers have found cheerleading to be the leading cause of catastrophic injuries in high school and college females, and a high school senior attests to the physical training and competition in cheerleading.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cheerleading as a Legitimate Sport
The strongest evidence to support the claim that cheerleading is a legitimate sport is that the American Medical Association officially recognizes it as a sport. This recognition comes from the nation's largest physicians' group, which lends credibility to the argument. This acknowledgment demonstrates that cheerleading requires great physical skill and meets the criteria of a legitimate sport.
Furthermore, the fact that researchers have concluded that cheerleading is the leading cause of catastrophic injuries for high school and college females also adds weight to the claim. This evidence indicates the level of risk and physical demands involved in cheerleading.
Additionally, the testimonial of a high school senior who trains just as hard, takes similar risks, and competes seriously, comparable to a football player, highlights the physicality and intensity of cheerleading.
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