I’m so excited to welcome Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber Brooks to the show. Jordyn has lived the dream so many young athletes strive for—winning gold at the 2012 Olympics—but behind the scenes, the world of elite gymnastics came with immense pressure, a culture of emotional suppression, and a mindset shaped by fear. She opens up about the resilience it took to navigate those challenges, and the fear-based patterns she’s had to unlearn. We dive into what it was like to retire from competitive gymnastics at just 18 years old, how she began to redefine her identity and how she ultimately rediscovered her purpose through coaching. 

Fear-Based Coaching, Athlete Mental Health & The Future of Gymnastics

Now the head coach at the University of Arkansas, Jordyn is rewriting the script for the next generation of gymnasts. She shares how she’s creating an environment where athletes can succeed without sacrificing their well-being, her own body image healing journey post-retirement, and how she’s preparing for the biggest transition yet, motherhood. She even opens up about her experience on Special Forces, where she was pushed to her mental and physical limits and ultimately made the difficult decision to step away for her mental health, proving that real strength comes from self-awareness and setting boundaries.

Jordyn’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and purpose. By challenging outdated coaching methods and prioritizing athlete well-being, she’s not only reshaping gymnastics culture—she’s paving the way for a healthier, more empowered generation of athletes.

(00:03:34) Redefining Success in Sports: Building Resilience & Healthy Mindsets

• Growing up in an athletic family and how she got started in gymnastics

• The positive and negative impact of her training as a gymnast

• How she cultivates a supportive team culture and positive environment as a coach

• The most important skills she teaches her athletes 

• How to build your resilience muscle without fear-based tactics

(00:13:05) Jordyn’s Olympic Journey & Navigating Life After Retirement

• Managing the pressures and expectations of being an Olympic athlete

• How a perspective shift led to a big redemption moment in her career

• Navigating the transition from competitive athlete into “retirement” at 18

• How she shifted into becoming a college gymnastic coach

• What it’s like working with her husband as her assistant coach

(00:25:08) Healing Her Relationship with Food & Preparing for Motherhood

• Jordyn’s experience on the show, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test

• Jordyn’s current workout routine as a retired athlete

• How she’s adjusted her workout routine for pregnancy

• Navigating the pressures to look a certain way as a gymnast

• How she healed her relationship with food after retirement

• Preparing for motherhood and her goals as a coach

Thanks for the support from our partners, including:

Ketone IQ | This episode is sponsored by Ketone-IQ. Save 30% off your first subscription order and receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ at ketone.com/TBS.

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @jordyn_wieber

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