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Olympian, world champion Bridget Sloan signs with UF gymnastics

Florida signee Bridget Sloan, far left, won a silver medal as a part of the U.S. Olympic team in 2008 in Beijing. (Photo by Franck Fife, Getty Images)

It will be more than a year until Bridget Sloan sets foot on campus, but on Wednesday the former world champion and Olympian gave the gymnastics program a big boost by signing with Florida.

Sloan signed her National Letter of Intent with the Gators on Wednesday, giving them a gymnast with an already impressive resume. In 2008, Sloan was the youngest member of the silver-medal winning U.S. Olympic team at 16. A year later, she won gold by taking the top spot in the all-around competition at the 2009 World Championships.

Sloan has represented the U.S. National Team in 14 international competitions, including on three World Championship teams (2010, 2009 and 2007, the first as a reserve athlete). She’s claimed six Visa Championship medals (gold for 2009 all-around, uneven bars and floor; silver for 2007 floor; bronze for 2008 bars and 2006 beam).

“Bridget’s accolades speak for themselves. She is one of the most accomplished gymnasts in the world,” said UF gymnastics coach Rhonda Faehn. “Bridget will bring exquisite artistry from her Olympic and world competitive experience into collegiate gymnastics. She was undoubtedly the number one recruit in the country and we are thrilled that she is going to be a Gator.”

Sloan, of Pittsboro, Ind., will defer enrollment until the fall of 2012 as she tries to earn a second consecutive spot on the U.S. Olympic team. The 2012 summer Olympics will be held in London from July 28 to Aug. 7.

“Making this decision was by far one of the hardest of my life, and I took a long time and put a lot of thought into it, but it came down to where I felt the most comfortable,” said Sloan. “Florida seemed like the best place for me academically and for gymnastics, and I’m excited to be a Gator.”


Comments



Good for you Bridget!I am glad you are going to further your education and gymnastics once your elite career is over.Good luck in your endeavors in trying to make the 2012 Olympic team.I will be cheering you on all the way.Hopefully Shawn Johnson will follow your path and sign with a college also.

Shawn Johnson went professional and therefore can’t do college gymnastics. Excited that Bridget is a Gator though!!!

Best. Recruit. Ever. Welcome to Gator Nation, Bridget! Hope it works out that you can bring a medal back from London to Gainesville!

She’s awesome but I like her “serious” silly side.

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The latest news and analysis about Gator Nation sports from Sentinel UF beat writer Edgar Thompson in Gainesville.
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