4-year-old advances to National Pedal Pull

LEROY — A local 4-year-old is harnessing her girl power.

After a local undefeated streak and a second-place finish at the Iowa State Pedal Pull Championship, Abbigail Dohlman will be competing in the National Pedal Pull Sept. 24 at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.

“I’m very excited, and I hope she can win,” said her mother, Lacy. “No matter what it will still be an adventure for all of us to go out there.”

Abbigail and her brother, Kaden, 6, have competed for a few years in pedal pull competitions, but the family decided to advance to state competitions after organizers urged Abbigail to compete at the state level.

“This is the first year we decided to actually travel,” Lacy said.

Some organizers said Abbigail was the first girl they’d seen complete a full pedal pull. Abbigail was undefeated in a string of pulls at area town festivals.

“We thought jeez, she is really strong,” Lacy said.

Though Lacy described her daughter as a shy girl, she said her feet just go when she starts pedaling. Her competitive spirit also comes out in the pedal pulls, especially with her big brother.

“She’s very excited and very pleased to be kicking her brother’s butt,” Lacy said. “She likes to rub it in.”