Dozens of the best high school gymnasts convened at the University of Minnesota Sports Pavilion on Saturday night, wowing a boisterous crowd with feats of athletic excellence, all competing for … second place.
This was Bailey DuPay's night, and everyone knew it.
In a performance that was as much a coronation as it was a championship, DuPay owned the meet from the outset, becoming the first gymnast to win three Class 2A all-around titles. Her score of 39.05 was the third-best in state history.
"This was my last gymnastics meet ever," DuPay said. "I just wanted to go out, have a crowning evening and enjoy myself."
Knowing her past success and cool-under-fire demeanor, fans paused from watching the rest of the meet every time it was DuPay's turn to perform, hoping to get a glimpse of history.
She delivered a 9.8 in her first event, the floor exercise, followed by nailing a handspring layout vault for a 9.85 and had an mistake-free uneven bars routine that scored a 9.8. After each event, the cheers got louder. By the time she got to the balance beam, the only question was if she would score high enough to reach 39. She did, posting a 9.6, becoming the first in state history to score 39 or better twice in state meet competition — she had a 39.0875 in 2014 — ensuring her status as one of, if not the best, high school gymnast in state history.
"I don't think that will sink in to me until later," she said.
Her coach, Paul Bernhard, said DuPay should be at least considered among the state's best.