Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

2012 Olympics

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July 30, 2012

U.S. gymnast Wieber bumped from all-arounds

Associated Press

LONDON — The U.S. women were atop the Olympic gymnastics standings, as expected, with little standing in their way — except themselves.

More than the Russians, Romanians and Chinese, the biggest challenge for the gold medal may come from how they deal with world champion Jordyn Wieber losing out on the all-around event Sunday and how she lost it — bumped by her best friend on the very last routine.

“I’m definitely worried,” national team coordinator Martha Karolyi said. “You try to find words ... what do you say? But the fact is the fact. She did her best, she was edged by her teammates.”

Considered a heavy favorite for the individual all-around title — plus the attention and riches that go with it — Wieber instead lost her chance with a series of uncharacteristic mistakes.

Countries are limited to two gymnasts in the all-around and event finals, and Wieber finished behind pal Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas.

Russia’s Viktoria Komova, who was runner-up to Wieber at last year’s world championships, is ahead of all three Americans.

The Americans were 1.4 points ahead of Russia, scoring 181.863 points despite a weak finish on floor exercise. Defending Olympic champion China was a distant third (176.637) with European champion Romania still to compete. Britain is fourth.

The team final is Tuesday.

The 17-year-old Wieber was sobbing as she made her way through the mixed zone, so distraught she couldn’t speak to reporters.

The shock waves rippling through the rest of the squad has the potential to threaten its chemistry.

“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.”

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2012 Olympics
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