London 2012: Spotlight on Jordyn Wieber

Gymnastics powerhouse Jordyn Wieber is a world champion, Olympic gold-medal favorite and, today, a birthday girl. Jordyn celebrates her 17th b-day today while prepping for the London Games with her teammates. Here’s the scoop on this dynamo:

Jordyn began taking gymnastics when she was four years old. By the time she was 7, she was competing on national teams (OK, the National TOP 7 & 8 Year Old Diamond Team, but still!) and winning state championships. In 2006, she qualified to the international elite level. She has come back from ankle and hamstring injuries to compete—and win—nationally and internationally. Until the Olympic trials (where she narrowly lost to teammate Gabby Douglas), Jordyn had won all but one all-around competition since 2008.

 

Her signature steadiness and consistency has earned her the respect of National Team Coordinator Marta Karolyi. Bars is her weakest event, but with her solid beam and floor routines—and indomitable gameface—she’s a tough one to beat on any stage.

 

When she gets to London, she can’t wait to…Shop!

 

Favorite snack: Pita bread and hummus

 

Favorite gym skill: Yurchenko double full vault

 

Guilty pleasure? Getting a pedi with her buds, her mom or her sisters. This summer, she’s going with light pinks and peachy oranges.

 

Hot athlete crush: David Beckham

 

The best piece of advice she’s ever been given: “Enjoy every moment and opportunity that comes your way.”

 

Wanna chat with Jordyn? Follow her on twitter @jordyn_wieber.

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by Brittany Taylor | 2/1/2016
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