By Kaetlyn Liddy | InBusiness Phoenix
When former gymnast Jordyn Wieber won the all-around world championship ahead of the 2012 London Olympics, she faced a difficult dilemma.
She could gamble on Olympic success and become a professional athlete or refuse the financial opportunity of the fleeting Olympic spotlight and retain her NCAA eligibility.
With no guarantee she would make the Olympic team, Wieber opted to go pro. Her bet paid off.
She won an Olympic gold medal with her “Fierce Five” teammates and graced the front of a Corn Flakes box, but she still mourned the loss of her collegiate athletic career.
“At the time, the lifespan of a gymnast didn’t seem to be very long,” Wieber said. “Thinking back to being a 16-year-old making this decision, it’s insane.”
“This article emphasizes the significant benefits NIL has brought to collegiate gymnastics, offering athletes unprecedented opportunities. Previously, gymnasts like Jordyn Wieber faced tough decisions, choosing between financial gain or retaining NCAA eligibility. Today, NIL allows athletes to compete at both the elite (Olympic) and collegiate levels while earning from sponsorships and endorsements. Stars like Suni Lee and Leanne Wong are thriving both financially and athletically, showcasing how NIL has blurred the boundaries between elite and NCAA gymnastics.”
-George Finn, Rose Law Group senior transactional attorney who handles NIL deals for athletes
