World Champion Jordyn Wieber turns pro

World Champion Jordyn Wieber turns pro

Oct 30, 2011 by FloGymnastics Admin
World Champion Jordyn Wieber turns pro
2011 World Champion Jordyn Wieber of USA has decided to turn professional. 

This means that 16-year-old Wieber will forfeit her eligibility to compete in college and can now accept prize money for competitions, and can accept endorsement contracts. 

Jordyn and her mother Rita Wieber released this statement on her facebook fan page this week: 

"I want to thank everyone for the messages I have received from family, friends, fans and the gymnastics community since returning from Worlds. Tokyo was an incredible experience for the entire USA team.
 
My family and I have given a lot of thought to what this means for my future and as an athlete. Going to college, getting an education and experiencing college life is a very important personal goal for me.
 
Right now, I want to make sure that I do everything possible to reach my full potential as an elite athlete for the next few years. With this in mind, I have decided to forego my collegiate eligibility. My parents and I believe this is best for me, and I am excited about pursuing my Olympic dream for the next nine months. Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement."

All eyes will be on Wieber in the lead up to London as the favorite for the all around title at the 2012 Olympic Games. 

In March, Wieber won the American Cup title by defeating reigning World all around champion Aliya Mustafina. At that time, she decided to turn down $16,000 dollars in order to maintain her NCAA eligibility. More doors are open now that Wieber has claimed the World all around title, but for the big pay out she will really need to shine at the Olympic Games, just like professional gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson did in 2008. 

Link to an article on freep.com

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