Jordyn Wieber, Olympic Gold Medalist, On Hard Work!

Jordyn Wieber is a gymnast best known for being part of the gold-medal winning "Fierce Five" US Women's Gymnastics team in the 2012 Summer Olympics. We chatted with her about what it was like to win the gold and what she wants to do next!

Jordyn started gymnastics when she was just 4 years old.

"When I was 3 or 4 my parents noticed that I had muscles in my arms and legs naturally. They said  'She looks like a gymnast,'" Jordyn explained.

Her parents put her in a gymnastics class for toddlers. She loved it. They bought her a gym mat to put in the basement and she hasn't stopped since.

"I've always loved challenging myself and learning something new," she said.

When she was 7 or 8, Jordyn saw the Summer Olympics and became enchanted with competition. It became her goal to someday be an Olympic gymnast.

Her dream came true last year at the London Summer Olympics. Along with her team, consisting of Jordyn, Gabrielle Douglas, Alexandra Raisman, Kyla Ross, and McKayla Maroney, she took home the gold medal. The unbeatable team became known as the "Fierce Five."

"It's almost indescribable," she said. "It's just a dream come true. You work so hard your entire life, through the pain and sweat and tears. It takes so much dedication and sacrifice and hard work, but to be out there competing for your country is an amazing feeling."

She said it was incredible to represent not just the U.S., but also her family and her coaches who had supported her.

Following the Olympics, Jordyn was part of a 40-city tour including appearances and autograph signings. Then, she made the transition back into the gym and training.

"I'm a more mature athlete now," Jordyn said. "That's a transition as well."

Though she is now separated with the rest of the Fierce Five by geography, the group has remained together in spirit.

"We are so close," Jordyn said. "We're still the best of friends."

The girls of the Fierce Five still text regularly, giving each other updates on their lives.

"Even through we live in different parts of the country, going through that experience together has helped us stay close," she said.

Jordyn is also happy to be a representative for girl power.

"A lot of people in high school think that football players and basketball players are the best athletes, but I'm taking a stand for the girls out there and reaching my dreams at the Olympics," she said. "Girls can be just as good athletes as boys."

Jordyn said she looks up to past Olympic gold medalists Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson, as well as her parents, coaches, and older sister.

"My older sister is 26 and married and a doctor," Jordyn said. "She works very hard and has always been a huge role model of mine."

Rather than any specific moves, Jordyn said that her strength as a gymnast is in her will to succeed.

"When it comes to everyday work in the gym and practicing, my ability to focus and my dedication are my strongest suit," Jordyn said. "It's not always about having the most talent. Sometimes girls with less talent work super hard and reach the same dreams. I try to inspire other girls by demonstrating a good work ethic."

That means that any girl who puts her mind to it can be an amazing gymnast.

"It's going to be hard work, but make sure you always have fun no matter what," Jordyn said. "Have fun with your teammates, and believe in yourself. You can't reach your goal if you don't believe you can do it."

Currently, Jordyn is hard at work training for the next Summer Olympic games.

"I can't give it up just yet," she said.

She is now a student at UCLA, balancing her student life with her gymnastic career.

"The balance is something that has always come naturally," she said. "Ever since I was in the 5th grade training twice a day I've been juggling homework, home life, friends, and family. It's helped me prepare for now in college. I'm being independent and I'm able to stay focused."

We can't wait to see her at the 2016 Summer Olympics in in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

Jordyn was able to accomplish her dreams through hard work and determination. Sign up at Sweety High and share your dreams with us!