Jordyn Wieber Olympics 2012: Gymnast Redeems Herself as Team USA Wins Gold
Jordyn Wieber has seized her opportunity for redemption during Tuesday's gymnastics finals with the other four members of the U.S. women's team.
Wieber, 17, is a member of the "Fab Five" on the 2012 U.S. Olympic women's gymnastics team that delivered a top drawer performance and earned a total score of 176.414, earning them the gold medal.
The team was comprised of Wieber, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Kyla Ross, and McKayla Maroney. Their victory marked the first time the U.S. has earned a gold medal in the event in 16 years.
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"This is really important for a little redemption," Wieber, 17, told People magazine after winning the gold in the team event Tuesday. "There was definitely disappointment [earlier this week] but in the end we ended up with this team medal, and I'm the happiest person right now."
Wieber had missed out on the all-around finals after being beaten by two of her American teammates during the qualifying round. She was reportedly crying in the locker room overcome with disappointment in the aftermath of her disappointment. However, with the support of her coach, John Geddert, and members of her team, she picked herself up again to comeback and win gold in the team event.
Russia scored 178.530 earning the silver medal, while Romania won the bronze with a total score of 176.414.
In accordance with the Olympic format, each team selects four gymnasts for each of the four segments of the final competition Tuesday - the balance beam, uneven bars, vault and floor.
First, Wieber performed in the vaulting rotation of the competition. Then, Maroney, 16, followed, as did Douglas, also 16, who performed in each of the rotations.
It was during the second rotation that many Americans held their breath. The competition between the United States and Russia was close, but following a solid third rotation on the balance beam, and continuing to deliver strong performances, the team pulled a five-point victory.
The Fab Five are being celebrated on social media sites. Replays of the finals will be available for American viewers during NBC's nightly Olympic coverage between 8 p.m. EST and midnight on July 31.
