Dewey wins in Emerald Classic
El Dorado gymnast Anabelle Dewey, who has competed recently in Ohio, North Carolina, Texas and Florida, among other stops around the country, had her first in-state competition this weekend. Dewey had a dominant performance in Little Rock at the Emerald Classic.
The 10-year-old was first in her age group and also first of all age groups in Level 8.
“This is a good one for the books and she’ll keep striving for her Elite scores and skills,” said her father Eric Dewey.
A fifth grader, Anabelle Dewey scored 36.2250 to win her group’s all-around crown. Reece Craven (35.0750), Bess Boykin (34.1250), Bella Wilson (34.000) and Sarah Grace Moss (33.400) rounded out the top five.
Dewey posted a 9.375 on vault, 9.000 on bars, 8.500 on balance beam and 9.350 on floor exercise.
“I was really happy. I had a few little things that I need to work on and correct for next time. But, it was a lot of fun because my confidence was higher,” Dewey said. “I already made my state scores so there was no pressure and I could just enjoy competing.”
Dewey had the second highest score of the entire session (Levels 7-10).
“We feel very proud of her doing so well as a first-year optional gymnast,” said her mother, Christy Dewey. “She’s already qualified for the Texas State meet and has placed first all-around at both Level 8 meets so far.”
After blazing a vapor trail, competing around the country, Dewey said it was fun to take a car ride to a meet instead of in an airplane.
“I really enjoyed competing closer to home this time,” she said. “One of my closest friends from school even got to come watch me, which was really fun.”
Dewey’s next meet is also Junior Olympic level, the Zenith Winter Classic in Dallas on Feb. 23.