Jordyn Wieber shares her emotional journey on Special Forces and her fight against sexual abuse.
Los Angeles: Jordyn Wieber, the Olympic gymnast, recently opened up about her experience on *Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test*. After three days of intense challenges, she decided to leave the show, handing in her armband to the directing staff.
Wieber, known for her determination, faced a tough time during the water exercises. Despite her athletic background, she struggled with the water challenges, which led to her withdrawal. “I really drew upon a lot of that mental, physical toughness that I have in me as an athlete. But none of that helped me in the water,” she shared in a Zoom interview.
In one episode, recruits had to retrieve a package from a submerged boat. Wieber felt overwhelmed and chose to step back, fearing another panic attack. She recalled a previous water exercise that had triggered her anxiety.
During her time on the show, Wieber also opened up about being a victim of the sexual abuse case involving Dr. Larry Nassar. She emphasized the importance of being vulnerable, saying, “It’s not hard to be vulnerable when you are really broken down mentally and physically.” She aims to be a voice for other survivors.
After her elimination, Wieber reflected on her experience, noting that while she wished she could have pushed through, she was proud of her accomplishments. She found the cold living conditions challenging and appreciated the moments of encouragement from the directing staff.
Wieber also mentioned that her time on the show helped her learn more about herself. She expressed gratitude for the experience and the connections she made with fellow contestants, including Olympic swimmer Nathan Adrian and track star Marion Jones.
Looking ahead, Wieber is open to trying other competition shows, especially *Dancing with the Stars*, where she believes her performance skills would shine. She’s grateful for the opportunity to challenge herself in new ways and continue her journey of healing and advocacy.
If you or someone you know needs support regarding sexual abuse, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at RAINN.org.
