Shawn+Johnson

The Impact of... **//Shawn Johnson//**

//“This is my first year as an elite, so it`s a big accomplishment to have come this far already. I just hope to keep doing more. I still have the hardest part to go.” - Shawn Johnson // ==Overview  == Olympic gold-medalist Shawn Machel Johnson was born on January 1, 1992 in Des Moines, Iowa. At nine months old, Johnson was already walking without having taken the time to crawl- it seems she was always meant to be a gymnast. As a child, she was spent two years at a local gymnastics club, and it was there that she met Liang Qiaoand Liwen Zhuang, the coaches that would forever hold a special place in her heart. Some memorable moments in Johnson’s childhood career include making the Junior Olympic National team, and qualifying to Junior International Elite status on her first attempt. In 2007, Shawn entered the senior division and won every competition. These wins led her to the greatest win of all time.


In June 2008, Johnson came in first place at the Olympic trials for gymnastics. The Olympics that year were set in Beijing, China. Johnson won a total of three medals- a silver medalin the women’s floor exercise, another silver medal in the women’s individual all-around, and a GOLD medal in the women’s balance beam. After her Olympic wins, October 17th was deemed “Shawn Johnson Day” by Iowa Governor Chet Culver, and in early July a bronze statue was dedicated to her at the Iowa Hall of Pride. Shawn has also been nominated for the 2008 Teen Choice Awards.


She has appeared on numerous TV shows and news programs, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Today Show, and was ABC's Person of the Week. She was also a presenter at Frosted Pink, a breast cancer benefit show on television. She has also been in a number of magazines, including Teen Vogue and Vanity Fair. Even with all the media attention from around the world, Shawn stays very grounded and focused on having a normal life. Unlike most elite gymnasts who train approximately 40 hours a week and have private tutors, Shawn trains 20-25 hours a week and goes to public high school where she is on the “A” Honor Roll. It is unknown right now, but there is a possibility Johnson may compete in the 2012 summer Olympicsin London, England, and win more medals for America. **References (2009-10.1.2.B)** //The OFFICIAL website of Shawn Johnson//. Web. 11 Jan. 2010. [] 

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