Baton twirling is a sport that takes a special kind of talent, and that talent is found within 17-year-old Cody Carter, who has shaped himself into one of the best twirlers in the world.

Carter currently is a student at Paradise Valley high school and performs with members of the Spiritline. Having an athlete of such high caliber comes with its benefits, and Paradise Valley athletic director Rick McCutcheon is thankful for Carter’s impact.

“He has brought a tremendous amount of positive recognition to our entire school and community,” said McCutcheon. “The value that Cody adds to our athletic program is immeasurable.”

Twirling was not always the main interest of Carter, as it all began during a lesson for golf.

“He started twirling a 7-iron at after-school golf class when his dad and I (who are golf instructors) would bring him daily to our junior golf classes,” said Debbie Carter, the mother of Cody.

Carter has been twirling for 10 years, but the duration has not affected his passion toward what he has always done. “Over the years, I found myself twirling just about anything I could get my hands on... my brother’s drum sticks, pencils, pens, highlighters stuck together, and even wrapping paper rolls. It was something I just ‘had’ to do. I couldn’t stop,” said Cody Carter.

Passion is a great factor to drive one to success, but it also takes necessary skill. Luckily, Carter understands the type of role that practice must take in his life if he is going to compete with the best.

“Ever since the days when I was training for my first World Championships in Switzerland (at age ten) to date, I usually practice three to four hours a day on school days, and five to six hours a day on weekends and during summer break,” said Carter.

Carter’s first gold medal came in Two-Baton at the age of 13, as he blew away the competition. Cody returned from the world championships in Norway this past April, where he won another gold medal in Two-Baton and a gold medal in One-Baton.

It would be easy for Carter to take all the credit in terms of his success, but he does not forget about the ones who helped him get to where he is today.

“My mom and dad have always been there for me in the past and will continue to be there for me in the future,” said Carter. “They sacrificed a lot for me to support my twirling and I am grateful because it enabled me to become a great twirler.”

Besides the fact that he is a World Champion, Carter also decided to show off his talent to the country on the popular “America’s Got Talent.” TV show. Performing a routine in front of millions can be challenging, as it brings the nerves out of anyone.

“I was a little nervous when performing for America’s Got Talent, especially during the judge’s cuts round when I twirled three fire batons on stage,” said Carter. “The most important thing was, I had the opportunity to share my twirling with America on the one of the biggest stages in America.”

Carter certainly has plenty to be excited about in his future, as he has his goals to a successful twirling career mapped out.

“After high school graduation, I plan on continuing this performance schedule by twirling for a major university for four years. I will continue to perform, compete, and even teach twirling clinics, as I have done in the past, while I attend college,” said Carter.

As for the future beyond that, Carter has one idea that has stuck with him: twirling at shows for Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.