They'll defy every expectation you have about what it means to be a cheerleader. If you've been sucked into the flying-human vortex of Netflix's Cheer docuseries, you've likely come to realize that modern-day cheerleading is a serious albeit somewhat crazy sport. For the uninitiated, watch ASAP; this real-life documentary-style series is far from the cool-girl stereotypes and curated-drama reality shows you may associate with the sport. You'll be wowed by their high-flying stunts, stunned by their dedication, and warmed by the way this sport has given meaning to some of the athletes' lives. But cheerleaders far from a college in small-town Texas are making their mark on the world, too—and they're doing it at 30, 40, even 50 years old.