The next 2016 J.O. National Champion we are celebrating is the Junior A champion,

ANNIE BEARD.

Beard trains at Texas Dreams Gymnastics with coaches Kim Zmeskal Burdette and Chris Burdette. She won all-around at J.O.s with an impressive 38.3 and also captured the floor title with a 9.7. Watch her floor routine that won gold below via USA Gymnastics on YouTube.


Following the conclusion of the 2016 J.O. season, Beard is now training to become a junior elite and plans to compete in her first elite qualifier next season. She trains along side other Texas Dreams elites including Ragan Smith and Bailie Key.

FloGymnastics: How was training leading up to J.O.s and how did you feel going into the meet?

Annie Beard: I felt like I got stronger with each meet throughout the season. I was very confident in the weeks leading up to the meet. I knew that if I did my best, I would have a chance at the podium.

Take me through your competition, starting with your first event.

I started the competition on floor. I had a great, strong routine: 9.7. I felt like my vault was really strong and I had momentum going into bars. I had a personal-best score for the season on bars. I finished the meet on beam which is usually a strong event for me because I love it!

What was the highlight of the meet for you?

The highlight of the meet was my bar routine because Level 10 bars has been a challenge for me all season.

When did you find out that you won?

My friend Katie told me congrats when I walked into awards.

What is the best part about becoming a national champion?

The best part of being a national champion is that I have been rewarded for all of my hard work and sacrifices.

Which upgrades are you most excited to learn?

Double twist on vault, release move on bars, triple series on beam, double layout on floor.

What are you looking forward to most about next year?

I am looking forward to qualifying junior elite and making it to P&G Championships.

Rapid-fire questions:

What is your favorite healthy food and favorite junk food?
Greek yogurt and donuts

What is your favorite movie?
"Saving Mr. Banks"

Name one person who has had a huge impact on your involvement in gymnastics:
My mom because she has given up her life to move with me to pursue my dreams.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time to relax?
Coloring and Netflix

What is the biggest sacrifice you have made to be in gymnastics?
I moved from Louisiana to Texas to train. My dad and my big sister did not move with me.

What is your favorite event and why?
Beam... because it is so challenging.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies n' cream

How old were you when you started gymnastics and how did you get involved?
I was three years old when I started gymnastics. One of my mom's cheerleaders noticed how much ability I had at a young age.

What is one, single food that you would never give up?
CAKE

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
PLUM leotards





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We are the Champions: Rachael Flam
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We are the Champions: Kyla Bryant
We are the Champions: Taylor Houchin
We are the Champions: Maddie Karr
These NCAA Teams Had the Best Showing at 2016 J.O. Nationals
Top Routines on Each Event at J.O. Nationals
Results: Level 10 J.O. Nationals