U.S. Olympic Gymnast Jordyn Wieber Retires from Elite Gymnastics at Age 19

Jordyn Wieber announced her retirement from elite-level gymnastics on Friday night. The 19-year-old was a member of the United States team that won all-around gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Wieber revealed the news on The Players' Tribune:

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Yes, it's time to for me to retire from elite gymnastics. But I can honestly say that I don't have any regrets looking back on the past 15 years. I was fortunate because my life wasn't necessarily what you'd imagine of an elite gymnast. There were restrictions, of course, like not being able to ski since the age of eight because of the risk of injury, or not being able to play school sports. But still, growing up, I had a sense of normalcy that may seem unexpected when imagining the life of an elite athlete.

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The Associated Press' Will Graves was among many saluting Wieber for her illustrious career:

Wieber has undoubtedly etched her name into U.S. gymnastics history over the years. Only once before had an American team prevailed in the women's all-around competition before she, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Kyla Ross were triumphant in London.

The "Fierce Five" were among the brightest American stars to shine in 2012.

In addition to her team success, Wieber established herself as a force in all-around individual competitions. She won gold at the 2011 World Championships and was the back-to-back champion at the Visa Championships in 2011 and 2012.

Her absence will obviously open up a spot on the U.S. team ahead of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Whoever steps in will have big shoes to fill.