Gold Medalist Jordyn Wieber on Gaining Confidence, Being a Role Model, and Her Olympic Makeup of Choice

The member of the Fierce Five gymnastics team shares her best advice for fellow teens and reveals how to keep your hairstyles in place whether you're flying through the air or racing to class.

By Eden Univer

August 20, 2012

Photo: Lexi Lambros
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How does it feel to be a role model to so many teens?
I love being a role model! I've gotten used to it over the years because I go to a gym with tons of little girls. It's amazing to see them looking up to me. It makes me want to inspire them.
Who are your role models?
All the past Olympic gymnasts and also my older sister. She's always been there for me over the years and supported me. Now, she's in medical school.
Photo: Lexi Lambros
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How did you deal with the pressure of the competition or bounce back from a disappointment?
There have been times in competition where I'd fall during an event and have to turn around five minutes later and compete in the next event, so I've just developed that ability over time. The same thing happened in the Olympics when I didn't make the All Around category and I had to quickly turn it around because we had to compete in the team competition.
How did you build the confidence you needed to perform your routines in front of so many people?
I've been competing since I was really young, so I'm used to it. That's what we thrive off of. We love going out there and performing.

Photo: Lexi Lambros
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What is your number one piece of advice for teens today?
Whatever you do, do it with confidence!
How did you decide on what makeup to wear for the Olympic games?
Typically we try to match our makeup to our leotards and I like to wear fun, colorful eyeshadows. I also wore lots of CoverGirl mascara and glitter.
Photo: Lexi Lambros
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Is it difficult to keep your hair up and away from your face while doing your routines?
One of our requirements is that we have to have neat hair and it has to be slicked back pretty tightly. I used almost a whole can of Pantene hairspray at the Olympics!
How do you keep your skin looking so great despite hours of sweaty workouts every day?
I make sure to wash my face every night and every morning. I also always take off all of my makeup before I go to sleep.

Keywordsjordyn wieber olympics

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