South Whidbey gymnast Tera Applegate competed in the Northwest Aerials Paws and Claws Invitational gymnastics meet in Kirkland on Sunday, Feb. 8.

She received a first-place trophy in level four of the individual all-around with a score of 35.7.

The 11-year-old gymnast, who steadily worked her way up from sixth to first in the course of five meets this season, was a bit surprised by her accomplishment.

“I thought I could get first eventually if I worked hard enough,” Tera said.

“But I wasn’t expecting it at this meet. It was a big surprise,” she added.

She won two individual event first places with a score of 9.1 on balance beam — a personal best — and 9.15 on vault.

Tera began training in gymnastics two years ago at Island Dance and Gymnastics in Clinton. She currently trains 12 hours per week with “GYMagine” gymnastics team in Mukilteo.