Jordyn Wieber Out With Tears
LONDON - This was not what the Americans expected.
Oh sure, being atop the standings by a comfortable margin after their qualifying session in women's gymnastics, that went according to plan. But world champion Jordyn Wieber, a heavy favorite to add the Olympic gold, won't even get to contend for the all-around title after finishing behind teammates Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas. Countries are limited to two gymnasts in the all-around and event finals.
It was a stunner for Wieber, who had lost only two all-around competitions since 2008 -- though both to fellow Americans -- and it left her teammates reeling.
"I was really surprised, and I feel awful because she wanted it so bad," said Raisman, Wieber's closest friend on the team and the one who knocked her out of the all-around. "But she should still feel proud because she's an Olympian. We have to stay calm and focused on team finals."
The 17-year-old Wieber was sobbing as she made her way through the mixed zone, so distraught she couldn't speak to reporters. A quote attributed to her and distributed by the London Games' internal news agency said: "It is a bit of a disappointment. It has always been a dream of mine to compete in the all-around final of the Olympics."
The Americans finished with 181.863 points, more than 11 ahead of second-place Britain, even with a weak finish on floor exercise. But Russia, the 2010 world champion and runner-up to the Americans last year, European champion Romania and China are still to come.
The team final is Tuesday.
"That's what I told her, she's going to handle this with as much class as she handled the victories. Make no excuses," said John Geddert, the U.S. coach and Wieber's personal coach. "The job's not done yet. Team USA has got a big day on Tuesday."
The Americans have come into the last two Olympics as world champions, only to leave without gold. But this team is stronger, top to bottom, than the 2004 and even 2008 squads, and has a swagger LeBron and his buddies would appreciate. That starts with Wieber, who is normally as steady and reliable as a metronome.
If anyone was going to avoid the 16-year curse of world champions going without Olympic gold, it was going to be her.
But she's appeared vulnerable these last few months while Raisman and Douglas have been on the rise.
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