Jordyn Wieber: world champion gymnast fails to qualify for finals

GlobalPost

The world's All-Around gymnastics champion, American Jordyn Wieber, shocked fans on Sunday by failing to qualify for the women's All-Around competition.

Wieber left the gymnastics floor in tears, telling the Associated Press "I'll be alright," as a coach escorted her away. 

Wieber's performance was a surprise to many who expected her to dominate the category and take home a medal. ESPN reports Wieber has only lost two all-around competitions since 2008, both to American teammates. 

The 17-year old gymnast ended up scoring third, edged out by teammates Aly Raisman and Gabrielle Douglas. Each country is allowed to send two athletes to the final all-around competition. Weiber placed third meaning she will be unable to compete. 

“I’m basically devastated for her,” her coach, John Geddert told Fox Sports. “She has trained her entire life for this day and to have it turn out anything less than she deserves is going to be devastating. She has waited her entire career for this.”

Wieber scored 60.032 in the qualifying round, barely two tenths of a point behind Douglas' 60.265 and Raisman's 60.391. The three American women led the field in their qualifying round.

Raisman, Wieber's closest friend on the team, told ESPN they need to stay focused on the finals despite the bad news. "I was really surprised, and I feel awful because she wanted it so bad," she said. "But she should still feel proud because she's an Olympian."

Wieber tweeted a message to her fans thanking them for standing by her during the competition. 

The American team finished with 181.863 points and have a big lead in the standings. Teams from Russia, 2010 world champions and runners-up last year, Romania and Olympic defending champions, China, are still to compete. The final will take place Tuesday night.

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