Shawn Johnson Next U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Superstar?

January 26, 2008

Shawn Johnson is a name that is quickly becoming known around the world. She is a sophomore in Valley High School, which is located in West Des Moines, Iowa. Not only is she an excellent student but she is quickly becoming known as the next top gymnast for the United States. She has already appeared on “The Today Show” and even on “Ellen” after being ranked the world’s top female all- around gymnast, in addition to the 2007 U.S National All Around Champion.

There have been several other gymnasts who have held the all around title like Kim Zmeskal, Shannon Miller, and Chellsie Memmel. She definitely ranks among the best when it comes to her difficulty and the amount of power that she has, which has often been compared to that of Kim Zmeskal. According to Radio Iowa.com, October 17 has been named as “Shawn Johnson Day in her honor by the Governor for her accomplishments. Many are already saying that the 2008 Olympics could mean gold for Johnson.

What really makes her stand out is how much energy she really puts into each event. Many are eager to see if she will do as well as Kim Zmeskal did in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Or will she be able to take home as many medals as Shannon Miller who won 5 medals at the Barcelona Games in 1992, and 9 world championship medals.

Shannon has a total of 7 Olympic medals. Shawn Johnson definitely has a lot of pressure riding on her shoulders, but she seems to take handle it well. That is definitely a high goal to achieve, but her fan’s, coach and family feel that she can do. Then there is the very popular Chelsie Memmel who was the 2005 world champion.

One thing is for sure and that’s the fact that Shawn Johnson has definitely come a long was since her fall off the beam at the 2005 National Championships. She ended up placing seventh at the 2005 National Championships. In 2006 she wan the Junior National All Around Champion. Right now she is ranked as a big contender for the 2008 Beijing games, but what many are curious to see is whether or not she will bring home the gold. For more information on Shawn Johnson you can visit her official website at www.shawnjohnson.net.

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