Jordyn Wieber Begins New Chapter at UCLA
Jordyn Wieber Begins New Chapter at UCLA
Jordyn Wieber and John Geddert before Olympic Event Finals. Photo by Larry Nassar
Fourteen years ago, Jordyn Wieber walked into Geddert's Twistars USA and began what would be one of the most successful careers in USA Gymnastics history. Now, World and Olympic Champion Wieber is ready for the next phase of her life: college.
On September 8, Wieber made the move from her small town of DeWitt, Michigan to Los Angeles. The gold medalist will enter her freshman year of college at UCLA.
Wieber plans to continue training in Los Angeles and ultimately hopes to represent Team USA in another Olympic Games. She told the Detroit Free Press that she could return to Michigan in order to "intensify her workouts" when she feels ready to return to competition. But for now, a balanced life of school and training is her focus.
Wieber's departure from her home gym of Twistars USA and coaches John and Kathryn Geddert marks the end of an era. Wieber has trained at Twistars since her gymnastics career began. She took the gymnastics world by storm when she impressively turned elite and made the U.S. Junior National Team in 2006. Two years later, Wieber won the U.S. Junior National All Around Title.
In her time at Twistars, Wieber claimed seven U.S. National Titles. Internationaly, she won three American Cup All Around titles, three World medals, and one Olympic gold medal. Wieber's largest achievement was winning the 2011 World All Around title after leading her U.S. team to decisive victory in Tokyo.
Wieber celebrated her final day at her home gym on September 6th. John Geddert shared this post on Facebook:
"My little girl is moving on in life. I have felt empty all day knowing that today was her last day (at least for the time being). The memories are incredible. I wore a "I love Jordyn" picture around the gym today... So much for the tough guy image... Oh well. Best wishes to the newest UCLA Bruin. Thanks for being you!"