Gold medalist Jordyn Wieber to lead Arkansas gymnastics

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas has hired Olympic gold medalist and former world all-around champion Jordyn Wieber as head coach of its women’s gymnastics team.

Athletic director Hunter Yurachek announced the hiring Wednesday. Wieber, who just finished her third season as a volunteer assistant coach at UCLA, won gold in the 2012 Olympics as part of the “Fierce Five” team. She will replace Mark Cook, who announced his retirement earlier this month after 17 years coaching the Razorbacks.

At UCLA, Wieber coached the Bruins on floor exercise, including Katelyn Ohashi’s showstopping routines that went viral. Former UCLA coach Valorie Kondos Field calls Wieber “one of the most impressive people I have ever had the honor and privilege to work with.”

Wieber was a two-time U.S. all-around champion and world all-around champion in 2011.