Jordyn Wieber Eliminated From All-Around Final At 2012 London Olympics

by UInterviewJuly 30, 2012, 12:00 amNews >

U.S. Olympic gymnast Jordyn Wieber, 17, the World Women's All-Around Champion and the leader of Team USA's "Fabulous Five" gymnasts, alongside teammates Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Kyla Ross, was disqualified from competing in the individual all-around final at this year's London Olympics during Sunday's qualifying games, when a tenth of a point put her behind teammates Raisman and Douglas. Since only two gymnasts per country are allowed to go to the all-around finals, Wieber's score just didn't cut it, and her fellow teammates advanced to the top two spots.

When the scores were announced, revealing that she didn't qualify, Wieber burst into tears and stood in the background as unexpected victor Raisman was interviewed by NBC. Wieber's coach, John Geddert, who has coached Wieber during her entire career and also coaches the women's team — events for which Wieber will still qualify — spoke out on Facebook about what he considers the "injustice" of the decision and an arbitrary rule.

"We have always known the 2 per country rule, we are not crying of spilt milk, yet it makes it difficult to explain how the 4th best AA finisher, the former world champion, does not get a shot at fulfilling her dream, just because her country happens to be incredibly strong. The sting of this injustice is painful and for the record I have voiced this opinion time and time again."

While defending Wieber, Geddert also took a moment to obliquely recognize her teammates' strong performances. "Obviously prelims did not go as planned but we have zero excuses. Jo had a good day (4th in the world) but was not as good as her teammates on this day."

While Wieber's chances at an individual medal are gone, she is still looking forward to team finals, in which she will compete with her teammates. In an exclusive interview with us, Wieber revealed that the team medal was the most important to her, in the first place. "Our first priority would be the team competition," Wieber said in Uinterview's exclusive video interview.

Wieber backed up those sentiments by tweeting on Sunday, "Thank you all for your love and support. I am so proud of our team today and I can't wait for team finals!!"

Watch the video of Wieber finding out about her placement during Sunday's qualifying games at the 2012 London Olympics, from FoxSports, here:

Watch Uinterview's exclusive with Jordyn Wieber here:

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