01 of 58
2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on floor. Photo © Frank Law
The 2007 world all-around champion, Shawn Johnson won four medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including silver in the all-around and gold on balance beam.
Shawn Johnson finished a respectable 10th all-around at her first US Nationals in 2005.
02 of 58
2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on floor. Photo © Frank Law
03 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2006 US Nationals. Photo © Frank Law
04 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson performs a pike jump on beam at the 2006 US Nationals. © 2008 Steve Lange
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Shawn Johnson on floor at the 2006 U.S. Nationals
© 2008 Steve Lange
06 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a Jaegar on bars. Photo © Frank Law
07 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses at the end of her floor routine. Photo © Frank Law
08 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses during her floor routine. © 2008 Steve Lange
Shawn Johnson dominated the junior division at the 2006 US Nationals. She won the all-around, vault, beam, and floor, and placed second on bars.
09 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Biana Flohr, Shawn Johnson, and Samantha Peszek receive their medals at the 2006 US Nationals. Photo © Frank Law
After the final day of competition, Johnson’s total score as a junior at the 2006 US Nationals was higher than the senior division winner, Nastia Liukin.
10 of 58
2007 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Rebecca Bross, Shawn Johnson and Ivana Hong. © Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
Johnson led an American sweep of the all-around at the 2007 Pan American Games with teammates Rebecca Bross and Ivana Hong.
11 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson performs a split leap on beam at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
In her first national championships as a senior competitor, Johnson took first in the all-around, beam, and floor, and won third on the uneven bars.
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2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson smiles at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
13 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson celebrates with her coach Liang Chow, at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
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2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shayla Worley, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin finish as the top three at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Johnson won the all-around at the 2007 US Nationals, beating reigning two-time National Champion Nastia Liukin, who was coming back from an injury.
15 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson prepares to vault. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
At the 2008 American Cup, Johnson fell on her new vault, a 2.5-twisting Yurchenko. Had she stayed on her feet, she most likely would have won the all-around.
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2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses on floor. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson won the vault, beam, and floor at the 2008 American Cup, and placed second in the all-around to teammate Nastia Liukin.
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2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson signs autographs at the 2008 American Cup. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
18 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin. © Elsa / Getty Images
Johnson won the all-around and floor at the 2008 US Nationals.
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a front giant on bars. © Elsa / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam. © Elsa / Getty Images
22 of 58
2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses on floor at the 2008 US Nationals. © Elsa / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, and Chellsie Memmel receive their medals at the 2008 US Nationals. © Elsa / Getty Images
Johnson beat out Nastia Liukin for the second year in a row. Chellsie Memmel placed third all-around.
24 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson took the early lead after day one of the 2008 Olympic Trials.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
26 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson waves to the crowd at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
27 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson leaps on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
Johnson maintained her lead throughout day two, nailing every event during both days of competition.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a pike jump on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a back handspring on beam at the 2008 US Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
30 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin are named to the Olympic team at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
Johnson had the highest all-around total after the two days of competition, giving her an automatic berth onto the 2008 Olympic team. Nastia Liukin had the second highest all-around total, and was also named to the team.
31 of 58
2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a back handspring on beam. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson performed well at the podium training for the 2008 Olympics on August 7.Videos of Podium Training
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2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson swings on bars. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
33 of 58
2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Samantha Peszek, Shawn Johnson, and Chellsie Memmel. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
The US Olympic team prepares to go on bars at podium training of the 2008 Olympics.
34 of 58
2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson (USA) does a split jump on beam. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson had a great competition in prelims at the 2008 Olympics. She qualified first into the all-around finals, and made the beam and floor finals as well. She also helped the US team qualify into team finals in second place.
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2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on vault. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
36 of 58
2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a standing full on beam. © Harry How / Getty Images
Remarkably consistent, Shawn Johnson competed on all four events for the USA in team finals. She hit all four, scoring the highest four-event total of the competition.
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2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson prepares to go on bars. © Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
38 of 58
2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) The US team wins silver. © Harry How / Getty Images
The US team won the silver medal, while China took team gold, in an intense competition.
39 of 58
2008 Olympics – All-Around Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson congratulate each other after the all-around. © Quinn Rooney / Getty Images
Johnson and teammate Nastia Liukin went head-to-head during the all-around competition at the 2008 Olympics. The goal: to place 1-2 on the podium.
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2008 Olympics – All-Around Final
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson (USA), Nastia Liukin (USA), and Yang Yilin (China) on the medal podium. © Julian Finney / Getty Images
Both Johnson and Liukin had fantastic competitions. In the end, Johnson ended up in the silver medal spot behind Liukin.
41 of 58
2008 Olympics – Floor Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson with coach Liang Chow. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Johnson earned the silver in the floor finals, behind Romania’s Sandra Izbasa and ahead of US teammate Nastia Liukin.
42 of 58
2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a leap. © Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Though she was feeling ill, Shawn Johnson nailed her routine in the beam finals of the 2008 Olympics. She scored a 16.225, her highest mark of the Games.
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2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin (USA), Shawn Johnson (USA), and Cheng Fei (China). © Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Johnson’s routine edged out teammate Nastia Liukin for gold. China’s Cheng Fei was third.
44 of 58
2008 Democratic National Convention
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does the Pledge of Allegiance. © Getty Images
Shawn Johnson did the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 2008 in Denver. Though not yet old enough to vote, she said in interviews that she would have voted for Barack Obama. She described doing the Pledge as “one of the coolest things” she’s ever done, and said it was more nerve wracking than any gymnastics meet.
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2008 Democratic National Convention
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Former Vice President Al Gore. © Joe Raedle / Getty Images
46 of 58
2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. © Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson attended the 2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala in New York. Liukin won Sportswoman of the Year.
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2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson. © Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
48 of 58
2008 Iowa-Iowa State Basketball Game
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Ashton Kutcher and Shawn Johnson. © David Greedy / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson and actor Ashton Kutcher were honored at the Iowa-Iowa State college basketball game on December 12, 2008. Both Johnson and Kutcher are Iowans, and were recognized for their work to raise money for flood relief charities in Iowa.
49 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson smiles during practice for her Dancing with the Stars. © Adam Larkey/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On February 8, 2009, Shawn Johnson announced that she’d be appearing on the 2009 season of Dancing with the Stars. She had been paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas, who danced to victory on the show in 2007 with his partner, Kristi Yamaguchi.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS.
50 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas walk down the stairs on the first episode of Dancing with the Stars. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On the season premiere, Johnson performed a waltz with Ballas and scored a 23, the second highest mark of the evening.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
51 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas perform the waltz. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
52 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas dance the salsa. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On March 16, Johnson and Ballas earned a 24, the third highest score of the night. Watch her dance.
53 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas do the foxtrot. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On March 23, Johnson does the foxtrot, and despite self-declaring, “There’s nothing smooth and elegant about Shawn Johnson,” she earns a 27, her highest score up to that point.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
54 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery). © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On May 19, 2009 Johnson won season eight of Dancing with the Stars. With a perfect 30 on the cha cha she pulled into a tie with Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke. In the end, Johnson’s viewers’ votes put her in the top spot.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
55 of 58
2011 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2011 US nationals. © Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson returned to competition in 2011, and placed sixth on bars and fourth on beam at the 2011 US nationals.
56 of 58
2011 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on bars at the 2011 Pan American Games. © Scott Heavey / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson earned a spot on the 2011 Pan Ams team, and helped the Americans win gold.
57 of 58
2011 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson wins the silver medal on bars at the 2011 Pan American Games. © Dennis Grombkowski / Getty Images
Johnson earned an individual silver medal on bars at Pan Ams. In early 2012, she announced she was officially retiring and would no longer be trying for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team.
58 of 58
2015 Engagement
(Shawn Johnson Gallery). © Getty Images
In 2015, Shawn Johnson got engaged to NFL player Andrew East.
01 of 58
2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on floor. Photo © Frank Law
The 2007 world all-around champion, Shawn Johnson won four medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including silver in the all-around and gold on balance beam.
Shawn Johnson finished a respectable 10th all-around at her first US Nationals in 2005.
02 of 58
2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on floor. Photo © Frank Law
03 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2006 US Nationals. Photo © Frank Law
04 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson performs a pike jump on beam at the 2006 US Nationals. © 2008 Steve Lange
05 of 58
Shawn Johnson on floor at the 2006 U.S. Nationals
© 2008 Steve Lange
06 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a Jaegar on bars. Photo © Frank Law
07 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses at the end of her floor routine. Photo © Frank Law
08 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses during her floor routine. © 2008 Steve Lange
Shawn Johnson dominated the junior division at the 2006 US Nationals. She won the all-around, vault, beam, and floor, and placed second on bars.
09 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Biana Flohr, Shawn Johnson, and Samantha Peszek receive their medals at the 2006 US Nationals. Photo © Frank Law
After the final day of competition, Johnson’s total score as a junior at the 2006 US Nationals was higher than the senior division winner, Nastia Liukin.
10 of 58
2007 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Rebecca Bross, Shawn Johnson and Ivana Hong. © Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
Johnson led an American sweep of the all-around at the 2007 Pan American Games with teammates Rebecca Bross and Ivana Hong.
11 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson performs a split leap on beam at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
In her first national championships as a senior competitor, Johnson took first in the all-around, beam, and floor, and won third on the uneven bars.
12 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson smiles at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
13 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson celebrates with her coach Liang Chow, at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
14 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shayla Worley, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin finish as the top three at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Johnson won the all-around at the 2007 US Nationals, beating reigning two-time National Champion Nastia Liukin, who was coming back from an injury.
15 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson prepares to vault. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
At the 2008 American Cup, Johnson fell on her new vault, a 2.5-twisting Yurchenko. Had she stayed on her feet, she most likely would have won the all-around.
16 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses on floor. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson won the vault, beam, and floor at the 2008 American Cup, and placed second in the all-around to teammate Nastia Liukin.
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2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson signs autographs at the 2008 American Cup. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
18 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
19 of 58
2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin. © Elsa / Getty Images
Johnson won the all-around and floor at the 2008 US Nationals.
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a front giant on bars. © Elsa / Getty Images
21 of 58
2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam. © Elsa / Getty Images
22 of 58
2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses on floor at the 2008 US Nationals. © Elsa / Getty Images
23 of 58
2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, and Chellsie Memmel receive their medals at the 2008 US Nationals. © Elsa / Getty Images
Johnson beat out Nastia Liukin for the second year in a row. Chellsie Memmel placed third all-around.
24 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson took the early lead after day one of the 2008 Olympic Trials.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
26 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson waves to the crowd at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
27 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson leaps on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
Johnson maintained her lead throughout day two, nailing every event during both days of competition.
28 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a pike jump on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
29 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a back handspring on beam at the 2008 US Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
30 of 58
2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin are named to the Olympic team at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
Johnson had the highest all-around total after the two days of competition, giving her an automatic berth onto the 2008 Olympic team. Nastia Liukin had the second highest all-around total, and was also named to the team.
31 of 58
2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a back handspring on beam. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson performed well at the podium training for the 2008 Olympics on August 7.Videos of Podium Training
32 of 58
2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson swings on bars. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
33 of 58
2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Samantha Peszek, Shawn Johnson, and Chellsie Memmel. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
The US Olympic team prepares to go on bars at podium training of the 2008 Olympics.
34 of 58
2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson (USA) does a split jump on beam. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson had a great competition in prelims at the 2008 Olympics. She qualified first into the all-around finals, and made the beam and floor finals as well. She also helped the US team qualify into team finals in second place.
35 of 58
2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on vault. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
36 of 58
2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a standing full on beam. © Harry How / Getty Images
Remarkably consistent, Shawn Johnson competed on all four events for the USA in team finals. She hit all four, scoring the highest four-event total of the competition.
37 of 58
2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson prepares to go on bars. © Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
38 of 58
2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) The US team wins silver. © Harry How / Getty Images
The US team won the silver medal, while China took team gold, in an intense competition.
39 of 58
2008 Olympics – All-Around Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson congratulate each other after the all-around. © Quinn Rooney / Getty Images
Johnson and teammate Nastia Liukin went head-to-head during the all-around competition at the 2008 Olympics. The goal: to place 1-2 on the podium.
40 of 58
2008 Olympics – All-Around Final
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson (USA), Nastia Liukin (USA), and Yang Yilin (China) on the medal podium. © Julian Finney / Getty Images
Both Johnson and Liukin had fantastic competitions. In the end, Johnson ended up in the silver medal spot behind Liukin.
41 of 58
2008 Olympics – Floor Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson with coach Liang Chow. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Johnson earned the silver in the floor finals, behind Romania’s Sandra Izbasa and ahead of US teammate Nastia Liukin.
42 of 58
2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a leap. © Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Though she was feeling ill, Shawn Johnson nailed her routine in the beam finals of the 2008 Olympics. She scored a 16.225, her highest mark of the Games.
43 of 58
2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin (USA), Shawn Johnson (USA), and Cheng Fei (China). © Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Johnson’s routine edged out teammate Nastia Liukin for gold. China’s Cheng Fei was third.
44 of 58
2008 Democratic National Convention
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does the Pledge of Allegiance. © Getty Images
Shawn Johnson did the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 2008 in Denver. Though not yet old enough to vote, she said in interviews that she would have voted for Barack Obama. She described doing the Pledge as “one of the coolest things” she’s ever done, and said it was more nerve wracking than any gymnastics meet.
45 of 58
2008 Democratic National Convention
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Former Vice President Al Gore. © Joe Raedle / Getty Images
46 of 58
2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. © Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson attended the 2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala in New York. Liukin won Sportswoman of the Year.
47 of 58
2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson. © Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
48 of 58
2008 Iowa-Iowa State Basketball Game
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Ashton Kutcher and Shawn Johnson. © David Greedy / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson and actor Ashton Kutcher were honored at the Iowa-Iowa State college basketball game on December 12, 2008. Both Johnson and Kutcher are Iowans, and were recognized for their work to raise money for flood relief charities in Iowa.
49 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson smiles during practice for her Dancing with the Stars. © Adam Larkey/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On February 8, 2009, Shawn Johnson announced that she’d be appearing on the 2009 season of Dancing with the Stars. She had been paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas, who danced to victory on the show in 2007 with his partner, Kristi Yamaguchi.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS.
50 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas walk down the stairs on the first episode of Dancing with the Stars. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On the season premiere, Johnson performed a waltz with Ballas and scored a 23, the second highest mark of the evening.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
51 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas perform the waltz. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
52 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas dance the salsa. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On March 16, Johnson and Ballas earned a 24, the third highest score of the night. Watch her dance.
53 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas do the foxtrot. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On March 23, Johnson does the foxtrot, and despite self-declaring, “There’s nothing smooth and elegant about Shawn Johnson,” she earns a 27, her highest score up to that point.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
54 of 58
2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery). © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On May 19, 2009 Johnson won season eight of Dancing with the Stars. With a perfect 30 on the cha cha she pulled into a tie with Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke. In the end, Johnson’s viewers’ votes put her in the top spot.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
55 of 58
2011 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2011 US nationals. © Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson returned to competition in 2011, and placed sixth on bars and fourth on beam at the 2011 US nationals.
56 of 58
2011 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on bars at the 2011 Pan American Games. © Scott Heavey / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson earned a spot on the 2011 Pan Ams team, and helped the Americans win gold.
57 of 58
2011 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson wins the silver medal on bars at the 2011 Pan American Games. © Dennis Grombkowski / Getty Images
Johnson earned an individual silver medal on bars at Pan Ams. In early 2012, she announced she was officially retiring and would no longer be trying for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team.
58 of 58
2015 Engagement
(Shawn Johnson Gallery). © Getty Images
In 2015, Shawn Johnson got engaged to NFL player Andrew East.
01 of 58
2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on floor. Photo © Frank Law
The 2007 world all-around champion, Shawn Johnson won four medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including silver in the all-around and gold on balance beam.
Shawn Johnson finished a respectable 10th all-around at her first US Nationals in 2005.
02 of 58
2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on floor. Photo © Frank Law
03 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2006 US Nationals. Photo © Frank Law
04 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson performs a pike jump on beam at the 2006 US Nationals. © 2008 Steve Lange
05 of 58
Shawn Johnson on floor at the 2006 U.S. Nationals
© 2008 Steve Lange
06 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a Jaegar on bars. Photo © Frank Law
07 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses at the end of her floor routine. Photo © Frank Law
08 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses during her floor routine. © 2008 Steve Lange
Shawn Johnson dominated the junior division at the 2006 US Nationals. She won the all-around, vault, beam, and floor, and placed second on bars.
09 of 58
2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Biana Flohr, Shawn Johnson, and Samantha Peszek receive their medals at the 2006 US Nationals. Photo © Frank Law
After the final day of competition, Johnson’s total score as a junior at the 2006 US Nationals was higher than the senior division winner, Nastia Liukin.
10 of 58
2007 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Rebecca Bross, Shawn Johnson and Ivana Hong. © Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
Johnson led an American sweep of the all-around at the 2007 Pan American Games with teammates Rebecca Bross and Ivana Hong.
11 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson performs a split leap on beam at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
In her first national championships as a senior competitor, Johnson took first in the all-around, beam, and floor, and won third on the uneven bars.
12 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson smiles at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
13 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson celebrates with her coach Liang Chow, at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
14 of 58
2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shayla Worley, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin finish as the top three at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Johnson won the all-around at the 2007 US Nationals, beating reigning two-time National Champion Nastia Liukin, who was coming back from an injury.
15 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson prepares to vault. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
At the 2008 American Cup, Johnson fell on her new vault, a 2.5-twisting Yurchenko. Had she stayed on her feet, she most likely would have won the all-around.
16 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses on floor. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson won the vault, beam, and floor at the 2008 American Cup, and placed second in the all-around to teammate Nastia Liukin.
17 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson signs autographs at the 2008 American Cup. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
18 of 58
2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin. © Elsa / Getty Images
Johnson won the all-around and floor at the 2008 US Nationals.
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a front giant on bars. © Elsa / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam. © Elsa / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses on floor at the 2008 US Nationals. © Elsa / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, and Chellsie Memmel receive their medals at the 2008 US Nationals. © Elsa / Getty Images
Johnson beat out Nastia Liukin for the second year in a row. Chellsie Memmel placed third all-around.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson took the early lead after day one of the 2008 Olympic Trials.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson waves to the crowd at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson leaps on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
Johnson maintained her lead throughout day two, nailing every event during both days of competition.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a pike jump on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a back handspring on beam at the 2008 US Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin are named to the Olympic team at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
Johnson had the highest all-around total after the two days of competition, giving her an automatic berth onto the 2008 Olympic team. Nastia Liukin had the second highest all-around total, and was also named to the team.
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2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a back handspring on beam. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson performed well at the podium training for the 2008 Olympics on August 7.Videos of Podium Training
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2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson swings on bars. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
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2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Samantha Peszek, Shawn Johnson, and Chellsie Memmel. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
The US Olympic team prepares to go on bars at podium training of the 2008 Olympics.
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2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson (USA) does a split jump on beam. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson had a great competition in prelims at the 2008 Olympics. She qualified first into the all-around finals, and made the beam and floor finals as well. She also helped the US team qualify into team finals in second place.
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2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on vault. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
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2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a standing full on beam. © Harry How / Getty Images
Remarkably consistent, Shawn Johnson competed on all four events for the USA in team finals. She hit all four, scoring the highest four-event total of the competition.
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2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson prepares to go on bars. © Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
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2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) The US team wins silver. © Harry How / Getty Images
The US team won the silver medal, while China took team gold, in an intense competition.
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2008 Olympics – All-Around Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson congratulate each other after the all-around. © Quinn Rooney / Getty Images
Johnson and teammate Nastia Liukin went head-to-head during the all-around competition at the 2008 Olympics. The goal: to place 1-2 on the podium.
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2008 Olympics – All-Around Final
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson (USA), Nastia Liukin (USA), and Yang Yilin (China) on the medal podium. © Julian Finney / Getty Images
Both Johnson and Liukin had fantastic competitions. In the end, Johnson ended up in the silver medal spot behind Liukin.
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2008 Olympics – Floor Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson with coach Liang Chow. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Johnson earned the silver in the floor finals, behind Romania’s Sandra Izbasa and ahead of US teammate Nastia Liukin.
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2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a leap. © Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Though she was feeling ill, Shawn Johnson nailed her routine in the beam finals of the 2008 Olympics. She scored a 16.225, her highest mark of the Games.
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2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin (USA), Shawn Johnson (USA), and Cheng Fei (China). © Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Johnson’s routine edged out teammate Nastia Liukin for gold. China’s Cheng Fei was third.
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2008 Democratic National Convention
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does the Pledge of Allegiance. © Getty Images
Shawn Johnson did the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 2008 in Denver. Though not yet old enough to vote, she said in interviews that she would have voted for Barack Obama. She described doing the Pledge as “one of the coolest things” she’s ever done, and said it was more nerve wracking than any gymnastics meet.
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2008 Democratic National Convention
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Former Vice President Al Gore. © Joe Raedle / Getty Images
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2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. © Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson attended the 2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala in New York. Liukin won Sportswoman of the Year.
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2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson. © Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
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2008 Iowa-Iowa State Basketball Game
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Ashton Kutcher and Shawn Johnson. © David Greedy / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson and actor Ashton Kutcher were honored at the Iowa-Iowa State college basketball game on December 12, 2008. Both Johnson and Kutcher are Iowans, and were recognized for their work to raise money for flood relief charities in Iowa.
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson smiles during practice for her Dancing with the Stars. © Adam Larkey/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On February 8, 2009, Shawn Johnson announced that she’d be appearing on the 2009 season of Dancing with the Stars. She had been paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas, who danced to victory on the show in 2007 with his partner, Kristi Yamaguchi.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS.
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas walk down the stairs on the first episode of Dancing with the Stars. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On the season premiere, Johnson performed a waltz with Ballas and scored a 23, the second highest mark of the evening.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas perform the waltz. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas dance the salsa. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On March 16, Johnson and Ballas earned a 24, the third highest score of the night. Watch her dance.
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas do the foxtrot. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On March 23, Johnson does the foxtrot, and despite self-declaring, “There’s nothing smooth and elegant about Shawn Johnson,” she earns a 27, her highest score up to that point.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery). © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On May 19, 2009 Johnson won season eight of Dancing with the Stars. With a perfect 30 on the cha cha she pulled into a tie with Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke. In the end, Johnson’s viewers’ votes put her in the top spot.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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2011 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2011 US nationals. © Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson returned to competition in 2011, and placed sixth on bars and fourth on beam at the 2011 US nationals.
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2011 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on bars at the 2011 Pan American Games. © Scott Heavey / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson earned a spot on the 2011 Pan Ams team, and helped the Americans win gold.
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2011 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson wins the silver medal on bars at the 2011 Pan American Games. © Dennis Grombkowski / Getty Images
Johnson earned an individual silver medal on bars at Pan Ams. In early 2012, she announced she was officially retiring and would no longer be trying for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team.
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2015 Engagement
(Shawn Johnson Gallery). © Getty Images
In 2015, Shawn Johnson got engaged to NFL player Andrew East.
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2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on floor. Photo © Frank Law
The 2007 world all-around champion, Shawn Johnson won four medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including silver in the all-around and gold on balance beam.
Shawn Johnson finished a respectable 10th all-around at her first US Nationals in 2005.
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2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on floor. Photo © Frank Law
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2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2006 US Nationals. Photo © Frank Law
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2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson performs a pike jump on beam at the 2006 US Nationals. © 2008 Steve Lange
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Shawn Johnson on floor at the 2006 U.S. Nationals
© 2008 Steve Lange
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2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a Jaegar on bars. Photo © Frank Law
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2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses at the end of her floor routine. Photo © Frank Law
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2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses during her floor routine. © 2008 Steve Lange
Shawn Johnson dominated the junior division at the 2006 US Nationals. She won the all-around, vault, beam, and floor, and placed second on bars.
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2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Biana Flohr, Shawn Johnson, and Samantha Peszek receive their medals at the 2006 US Nationals. Photo © Frank Law
After the final day of competition, Johnson’s total score as a junior at the 2006 US Nationals was higher than the senior division winner, Nastia Liukin.
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2007 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Rebecca Bross, Shawn Johnson and Ivana Hong. © Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
Johnson led an American sweep of the all-around at the 2007 Pan American Games with teammates Rebecca Bross and Ivana Hong.
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2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson performs a split leap on beam at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
In her first national championships as a senior competitor, Johnson took first in the all-around, beam, and floor, and won third on the uneven bars.
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2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson smiles at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
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2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson celebrates with her coach Liang Chow, at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
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2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shayla Worley, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin finish as the top three at the 2007 US Nationals. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Johnson won the all-around at the 2007 US Nationals, beating reigning two-time National Champion Nastia Liukin, who was coming back from an injury.
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2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson prepares to vault. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
At the 2008 American Cup, Johnson fell on her new vault, a 2.5-twisting Yurchenko. Had she stayed on her feet, she most likely would have won the all-around.
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2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses on floor. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson won the vault, beam, and floor at the 2008 American Cup, and placed second in the all-around to teammate Nastia Liukin.
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2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson signs autographs at the 2008 American Cup. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
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2008 American Cup
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson. © Chris Trotman / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin. © Elsa / Getty Images
Johnson won the all-around and floor at the 2008 US Nationals.
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a front giant on bars. © Elsa / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam. © Elsa / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson poses on floor at the 2008 US Nationals. © Elsa / Getty Images
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2008 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) (from left) Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, and Chellsie Memmel receive their medals at the 2008 US Nationals. © Elsa / Getty Images
Johnson beat out Nastia Liukin for the second year in a row. Chellsie Memmel placed third all-around.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson took the early lead after day one of the 2008 Olympic Trials.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson waves to the crowd at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson leaps on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
Johnson maintained her lead throughout day two, nailing every event during both days of competition.
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a pike jump on beam at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a back handspring on beam at the 2008 US Olympic Trials. © Nick Laham / Getty Images
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2008 Olympic Trials
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin are named to the Olympic team at the 2008 Olympic Trials. © Al Bello / Getty Images
Johnson had the highest all-around total after the two days of competition, giving her an automatic berth onto the 2008 Olympic team. Nastia Liukin had the second highest all-around total, and was also named to the team.
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2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a back handspring on beam. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson performed well at the podium training for the 2008 Olympics on August 7.Videos of Podium Training
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2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson swings on bars. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
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2008 Olympics – Podium Training
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Samantha Peszek, Shawn Johnson, and Chellsie Memmel. © Jamie Squire / Getty Images
The US Olympic team prepares to go on bars at podium training of the 2008 Olympics.
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2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson (USA) does a split jump on beam. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson had a great competition in prelims at the 2008 Olympics. She qualified first into the all-around finals, and made the beam and floor finals as well. She also helped the US team qualify into team finals in second place.
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2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on vault. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
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2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a standing full on beam. © Harry How / Getty Images
Remarkably consistent, Shawn Johnson competed on all four events for the USA in team finals. She hit all four, scoring the highest four-event total of the competition.
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2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson prepares to go on bars. © Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
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2008 Olympics – Team Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) The US team wins silver. © Harry How / Getty Images
The US team won the silver medal, while China took team gold, in an intense competition.
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2008 Olympics – All-Around Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson congratulate each other after the all-around. © Quinn Rooney / Getty Images
Johnson and teammate Nastia Liukin went head-to-head during the all-around competition at the 2008 Olympics. The goal: to place 1-2 on the podium.
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2008 Olympics – All-Around Final
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson (USA), Nastia Liukin (USA), and Yang Yilin (China) on the medal podium. © Julian Finney / Getty Images
Both Johnson and Liukin had fantastic competitions. In the end, Johnson ended up in the silver medal spot behind Liukin.
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2008 Olympics – Floor Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson with coach Liang Chow. © Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
Johnson earned the silver in the floor finals, behind Romania’s Sandra Izbasa and ahead of US teammate Nastia Liukin.
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2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does a leap. © Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Though she was feeling ill, Shawn Johnson nailed her routine in the beam finals of the 2008 Olympics. She scored a 16.225, her highest mark of the Games.
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2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin (USA), Shawn Johnson (USA), and Cheng Fei (China). © Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Johnson’s routine edged out teammate Nastia Liukin for gold. China’s Cheng Fei was third.
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2008 Democratic National Convention
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson does the Pledge of Allegiance. © Getty Images
Shawn Johnson did the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 2008 in Denver. Though not yet old enough to vote, she said in interviews that she would have voted for Barack Obama. She described doing the Pledge as “one of the coolest things” she’s ever done, and said it was more nerve wracking than any gymnastics meet.
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2008 Democratic National Convention
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Former Vice President Al Gore. © Joe Raedle / Getty Images
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2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. © Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson attended the 2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala in New York. Liukin won Sportswoman of the Year.
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2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson. © Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
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2008 Iowa-Iowa State Basketball Game
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Ashton Kutcher and Shawn Johnson. © David Greedy / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson and actor Ashton Kutcher were honored at the Iowa-Iowa State college basketball game on December 12, 2008. Both Johnson and Kutcher are Iowans, and were recognized for their work to raise money for flood relief charities in Iowa.
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson smiles during practice for her Dancing with the Stars. © Adam Larkey/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On February 8, 2009, Shawn Johnson announced that she’d be appearing on the 2009 season of Dancing with the Stars. She had been paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas, who danced to victory on the show in 2007 with his partner, Kristi Yamaguchi.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS.
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas walk down the stairs on the first episode of Dancing with the Stars. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On the season premiere, Johnson performed a waltz with Ballas and scored a 23, the second highest mark of the evening.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas perform the waltz. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas dance the salsa. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On March 16, Johnson and Ballas earned a 24, the third highest score of the night. Watch her dance.
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas do the foxtrot. © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On March 23, Johnson does the foxtrot, and despite self-declaring, “There’s nothing smooth and elegant about Shawn Johnson,” she earns a 27, her highest score up to that point.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
(Shawn Johnson Gallery). © Kelsey McNeal/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC).
On May 19, 2009 Johnson won season eight of Dancing with the Stars. With a perfect 30 on the cha cha she pulled into a tie with Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke. In the end, Johnson’s viewers’ votes put her in the top spot.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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2011 US Nationals
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on beam at the 2011 US nationals. © Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson returned to competition in 2011, and placed sixth on bars and fourth on beam at the 2011 US nationals.
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2011 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson on bars at the 2011 Pan American Games. © Scott Heavey / Getty Images
Shawn Johnson earned a spot on the 2011 Pan Ams team, and helped the Americans win gold.
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2011 Pan American Games
(Shawn Johnson Gallery) Shawn Johnson wins the silver medal on bars at the 2011 Pan American Games. © Dennis Grombkowski / Getty Images
Johnson earned an individual silver medal on bars at Pan Ams. In early 2012, she announced she was officially retiring and would no longer be trying for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team.
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2015 Engagement
(Shawn Johnson Gallery). © Getty Images
In 2015, Shawn Johnson got engaged to NFL player Andrew East.
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2005 US Nationals (Junior Division)
The 2007 world all-around champion, Shawn Johnson won four medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including silver in the all-around and gold on balance beam.
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Shawn Johnson finished a respectable 10th all-around at her first US Nationals in 2005.
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2006 US Nationals (Junior Division)
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Shawn Johnson on floor at the 2006 U.S. Nationals
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Shawn Johnson dominated the junior division at the 2006 US Nationals. She won the all-around, vault, beam, and floor, and placed second on bars.
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After the final day of competition, Johnson’s total score as a junior at the 2006 US Nationals was higher than the senior division winner, Nastia Liukin.
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2007 Pan American Games
Johnson led an American sweep of the all-around at the 2007 Pan American Games with teammates Rebecca Bross and Ivana Hong.
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2007 US Nationals (Senior Division)
In her first national championships as a senior competitor, Johnson took first in the all-around, beam, and floor, and won third on the uneven bars.
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Johnson won the all-around at the 2007 US Nationals, beating reigning two-time National Champion Nastia Liukin, who was coming back from an injury.
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2008 American Cup
At the 2008 American Cup, Johnson fell on her new vault, a 2.5-twisting Yurchenko. Had she stayed on her feet, she most likely would have won the all-around.
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Shawn Johnson won the vault, beam, and floor at the 2008 American Cup, and placed second in the all-around to teammate Nastia Liukin.
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2008 US Nationals
Johnson won the all-around and floor at the 2008 US Nationals.
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Johnson beat out Nastia Liukin for the second year in a row. Chellsie Memmel placed third all-around.
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2008 Olympic Trials
Shawn Johnson took the early lead after day one of the 2008 Olympic Trials.
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Johnson maintained her lead throughout day two, nailing every event during both days of competition.
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Johnson had the highest all-around total after the two days of competition, giving her an automatic berth onto the 2008 Olympic team. Nastia Liukin had the second highest all-around total, and was also named to the team.
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2008 Olympics – Podium Training
Shawn Johnson performed well at the podium training for the 2008 Olympics on August 7.Videos of Podium Training
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The US Olympic team prepares to go on bars at podium training of the 2008 Olympics.
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2008 Olympics – Preliminaries
Shawn Johnson had a great competition in prelims at the 2008 Olympics. She qualified first into the all-around finals, and made the beam and floor finals as well. She also helped the US team qualify into team finals in second place.
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2008 Olympics – Team Finals
Remarkably consistent, Shawn Johnson competed on all four events for the USA in team finals. She hit all four, scoring the highest four-event total of the competition.
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The US team won the silver medal, while China took team gold, in an intense competition.
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2008 Olympics – All-Around Finals
Johnson and teammate Nastia Liukin went head-to-head during the all-around competition at the 2008 Olympics. The goal: to place 1-2 on the podium.
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2008 Olympics – All-Around Final
Both Johnson and Liukin had fantastic competitions. In the end, Johnson ended up in the silver medal spot behind Liukin.
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2008 Olympics – Floor Finals
Johnson earned the silver in the floor finals, behind Romania’s Sandra Izbasa and ahead of US teammate Nastia Liukin.
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2008 Olympics – Beam Finals
Though she was feeling ill, Shawn Johnson nailed her routine in the beam finals of the 2008 Olympics. She scored a 16.225, her highest mark of the Games.
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Johnson’s routine edged out teammate Nastia Liukin for gold. China’s Cheng Fei was third.
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2008 Democratic National Convention
Shawn Johnson did the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 2008 in Denver. Though not yet old enough to vote, she said in interviews that she would have voted for Barack Obama. She described doing the Pledge as “one of the coolest things” she’s ever done, and said it was more nerve wracking than any gymnastics meet.
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2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala
Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson attended the 2008 Women’s Sports Foundation Awards Gala in New York. Liukin won Sportswoman of the Year.
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2008 Iowa-Iowa State Basketball Game
Shawn Johnson and actor Ashton Kutcher were honored at the Iowa-Iowa State college basketball game on December 12, 2008. Both Johnson and Kutcher are Iowans, and were recognized for their work to raise money for flood relief charities in Iowa.
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2009 Dancing with the Stars
On February 8, 2009, Shawn Johnson announced that she’d be appearing on the 2009 season of Dancing with the Stars. She had been paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas, who danced to victory on the show in 2007 with his partner, Kristi Yamaguchi.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS.
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On the season premiere, Johnson performed a waltz with Ballas and scored a 23, the second highest mark of the evening.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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On March 16, Johnson and Ballas earned a 24, the third highest score of the night. Watch her dance.
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On March 23, Johnson does the foxtrot, and despite self-declaring, “There’s nothing smooth and elegant about Shawn Johnson,” she earns a 27, her highest score up to that point.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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On May 19, 2009 Johnson won season eight of Dancing with the Stars. With a perfect 30 on the cha cha she pulled into a tie with Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke. In the end, Johnson’s viewers’ votes put her in the top spot.Much more coverage of Johnson on DWTS
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2011 US Nationals
Shawn Johnson returned to competition in 2011, and placed sixth on bars and fourth on beam at the 2011 US nationals.
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2011 Pan American Games
Shawn Johnson earned a spot on the 2011 Pan Ams team, and helped the Americans win gold.
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Johnson earned an individual silver medal on bars at Pan Ams. In early 2012, she announced she was officially retiring and would no longer be trying for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team.
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2015 Engagement
In 2015, Shawn Johnson got engaged to NFL player Andrew East.
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