"It was so tough" — Special Forces: World's Toughest Test star Jordyn Wieber opens up about her experience

Special Forces: World's Toughest Test has returned with its third season, bringing more extreme challenges designed to emulate U.S. Special Forces training. Among the celebrity recruits this season was Jordyn Wieber, a former Olympic gymnast known for her grit and determination. However, during the January 15 episode, Wieber voluntarily withdrew from the competition after a particularly daunting underwater task.

Wieber’s elimination in Special Forces: World's Toughest Test came after she struggled with water-based challenges, ultimately deciding not to proceed with a submarine submersion exercise. Her decision reflected the immense physical and emotional pressure contestants face in this intense environment. Reflecting on her journey, Wieber said,

“It was so tough. It was such a hard decision.”

In just two episodes of season 3, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test has already seen eight contestants, including Wieber, leave the course. Though she was hesitant to walk away, Wieber ultimately prioritized her emotional and physical limits over continuing in the competition.

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Jordyn Wieber on leaving Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

Jordyn Wieber opened up about her decision to exit Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, explaining how the experience challenged her in ways she hadn’t expected. She said,

"Standing there watching everybody do the challenge, I probably went back and forth like 50 times. Like, ‘OK, I’m going to do it. OK, I’m not going to do it.'"

Wieber revealed that her apprehension started in the first episode during the beehive task. From that point on, water-related challenges became a significant obstacle. By the second episode, where participants were tasked with retrieving a box from a sinking boat, Wieber’s fear of drowning took over. She explained,

“The water just really started freaking me out, and I just felt like I was going to panic if I went back in the water."

Despite her fears, Wieber initially tried to stay in the competition and face the challenges. However, the idea of being confined in a cage inside a sinking boat became too overwhelming.

While she believed she could excel at other tasks, the water-based challenges proved a significant barrier, leading her to voluntarily withdraw from the show. Wieber admitted she didn’t anticipate such difficulties with water.

“I really haven’t had any experience in the water. I can swim and kind of do the basic things, but I’ve never been challenged to do that,”

she shared. Looking back, Wieber feels confident in her decision to leave the show. She added,

“I think I made the right decision for me based on how much water was involved, but I really didn’t know what I was in for, nor could I have prepared for it."

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Who is the Special Forces: World's Toughest Test star Jordyn Wieber?

Jordyn Wieber is a gymnast, renowned for her accomplishments during the 2012 London Olympics. As a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, dubbed the “Fierce Five,” Wieber won a gold medal in the team competition. She also competed in the individual all-around, floor exercise, and balance beam events, showcasing her skills.

Born on July 12, 1995, Wieber began gymnastics at 4. Her parents recognized her potential early, noting her exceptional balance and coordination.

Over the years, Wieber became a dominant force in gymnastics, winning titles such as the 2011 World Championships all-around gold and the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials all-around silver. She also earned three medals at the 2011 World Championships, including two golds.

Outside the gymnastics arena, Wieber has been an advocate for survivors of abuse, speaking out during the trial of Larry Nassar in 2018. Her testimony played a pivotal role in shedding light on the abuse within the sport.

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The next episode of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test will air on January 22, 2024.