On the eve of the American Cup, Jordyn Wieber has announced her retirement from elite gymnastics through an article in The Players’ Tribune.

There has been much speculation as to whether Wieber would be attempting a comeback for the 2016 Olympics. In December, the Lansing State Journal reported that she would not make a run for Rio but she had not personally announced her retirement until tonight.

In an eloquent piece entitled A New Routine, Jordyn explains her decision behind leaving the elite world behind and continuing forward in her new journey as UCLA student and team manager for the Bruins. She also emphasizes the point that she is “completely fulfilled” by her 2012 Olympic experience, and that she is grateful for the gymnastics/life balance that she was able to enjoy while growing up as one of the top athletes in the country.

The fact that Jordyn has announced her retirement on the eve of the American Cup is actually quite fitting, given that she has won the competition a total of three times. She sprung onto the scene as a junior at the 2009 American Cup, which she won comfortably with a huge all-around score of 60.2. She started competing internationally for the US in 2010 with the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships, winning the all-around.

Jordyn’s career continued to skyrocket in 2011. She had a great start to the season with another American Cup win, and continued to compete on the international stage for the US at the City of Jesolo Trophy meet. She also became National Champion, in addition to placing first on floor and uneven bars. Her season culminated in her winning the all-around World Championship title and helping the US to win the team gold medal.

With the start of 2012, Jordyn was practically a lock for the Olympic team. She won her third American Cup in March and also managed to defend her National Championship title in June. She performed just as well at Olympic Trials, and it was no surprise when she was named to the US Olympic team as one of the “Fierce Five.”

Despite having to compete with an injury (a stress fracture in her right leg), Jordyn helped the team win the first Olympic gold medal since 1996. Although she did not qualify for the all-around finals, her performances during team finals on vault, uneven bars and floor exercise were crucial in clinching the gold medal.

There's no doubt that Jordyn is one of the strongest and most successful athletes in the USA Gymnastics history. We wish her the best in her journey going forward!

Related:
A New Routine - The Players' Tribune