Jordyn Wieber

What does the word hero mean to you?  The denotation of the word hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.  Personally though, I do not think that is correct.  A hero should be named for their inspiration to others.  It doesn't matter how many people don't like you or think you aren't that great; as long as you inspired just one person, you are automatically a hero.  One person that fits this definition is Jordyn Wieber.

 Jordyn Marie Wieber (A.K. A. Jo) was brought into this world on July 12, 1995, in DeWitt, Michigan, to Rita and David Wieber.  Jordyn is the third oldest of her brother and sisters Lindsay, Ryan, and Kyra. 

  Jordyn is an American artistic gymnast that started her gymnastics career at a young age.  Her parents put her in gymnastics at the age of two or three. She quit later on to do dance instead, but then she returned in 1999 to gymnastics.  That is when it took off, and then she joined John Geddert's Twistars.

Jordyn at Visa U.S. Championships (http://wsenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/S (John Cheng))

  In 2009, Jordyn won the American Cup in Chicago, Illinois.  In 2010, she competed in the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships and won, plus she helped the American team win first. She also won the Covergirl Classic. Then in 2011, she competed in the American Cup, City of Jesolo Trophy, Covergirl Classic, VISA Championships, and won the all-around in every competition. Next, she won the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships held in Tokyo, Japan.

  Finally, in 2012, Jordyn made it to the Olympic trials, and placed second to Gabrielle (A.K.A. Gabby) Douglas.  She still made it to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. She placed fourth all-around, but third in the United States.  Due to the rule that states only the top two gymnast from each country can move on to the all-around competition, she lost the spot to teammates Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas. However, she still helped the American team pull ahead of the Russians and win first. 

  Now that I have told you about my hero, I will tell you why she is my hero.  Jordyn is a fighter.  She doesn't give up.  She helped the American team win first even though she couldn't win the Olympics for herself.  She is a team player.  Jordyn Wieber is an inspiration to me and many gymnasts out there. She is a true hero.