Gymnastics powerhouse Jordyn Wieber is a world champion,
Olympic gold-medal favorite and, today, a birthday girl. Jordyn celebrates her
17
th 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.
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 7/12/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN athlete, gymnastics, olympics, London 2012