WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 16, 2011 - Shawn, along with other Olympians, Paralympians and members of the Wounded Warrior Games met with members of Congress in an effort to ensure the financial future of America’s next generation of Olympians and Paralympians. Coinciding with March Madness, the U.S. Olympic Committee set up a basketball hoop inside the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. “I feel very connected to the Games and I don’t want to lose that connection,’’ said Edwards, the proud winner of four Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal. “In fact, I want to be more involved and help other athletes.’’
Everyone from Olympic gold medalist figure skater and recently crowned Sullivan Award winner Evan Lysacek to Olympic champion heptahlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee to Paralympic champion sprinter Marlon Shirley took free-throw shots.
Athletes from Lysacek, who hadn’t shot a basket in years and cringed at the thought of shooting a free throw, to 4-9 Olympic gold medalist gymnast Shawn Johnson, got into the act. And everyone had some success. “This is fun,’’ Johnson said after sinking a few free throws. “It definitely sparks a fire for me.’’
Johnson’s fire to compete has been rekindled as well. After taking some time away from the gym following the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, she has resumed training in hopes of making the U.S. team in London next summer. “I’m loving being back in the gym,’’ she said. Congressman Ed Perlmutter, who hails from Colorado, where the USOC is headquartered, was equally excited to be around the athletes. He told Johnson he had to get her autograph for a young aspiring gymnast from Colorado --- his daughter.
Among the USOC’s legislative aims are for Congress to protect USOC intellectual property rights, authorize and fund $8 million in defense funding to continue USOC support for the Paralympic Military Program and to authorize and fund a USOC Paralympic health and education program to provide more physical activity programs for youth and other individuals with physical and visual disabilities. The United States Olympic team is one of only three in the world that is funded privately with no government funding. The USOC is also one of only four National Olympic Committees to also operate a Paralympic program. “This is hugely important for us,’’ USOC chairman Larry Probst said. “We need to make sure the relationship here and the support we have here, particularly on the Paralympic side, is strong. It’s important on a world scale, especially if we ever want to bid for the Olympic Games again, that the USOC has support in Washington.
In February 2010, Congress created the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic caucus, whose task is to “support Team USA and the Olympic movement in Washington, D.C.’’ Among the members of this bipartisan group are Congress members Perlmutter, John Boozman (R-Ark.), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) and Dave Reichert (R-Wash.). “This is a great partnership,’’ said Langevin, one of the caucus’ co-chairs, before turning to the athletes and adding, “Thank you all for your great work.’’
In addition to the afternoon shoot around, some of the athletes met privately with their states’ representatives. Johnson had planned to meet with three Congress members from her home state of Iowa.
Perhaps the voice that spoke the loudest came from Carlos Leon, a Marine Corps veteran who represented Team USA at the Paralympic Games as a discus thrower in Beijing and hopes to be back in a Team USA uniform next summer in London. “The Paralympics saved my life,’’ said Leon, who was injured in a diving accident six years ago and now uses a wheelchair. “I know the Paralympic (program) will save other lives.’’
As Shawn continues her comeback effort toward the 2012 Olympic Games in London, she'll be wearing Nike cross-training and workout gear, according to her agent Sheryl Shade.
"Nike was drawn to Shawn's characteristics that fit with the Nike's brand attributes -genuine, real, authentic," Shade says. "Shawn has become an 'iconic' athlete. She has encouraged gymnasts and inspired fans - in and out of the gym - through her athletic determination, vibrant personality, unfailing kindness and grace under pressure. She's a true champion."
"I'm so excited," Shawn says. "Being a part of the Nike family is more than an honor. They truly epitomize elite athletics and being associated with them is the greatest gift and biggest reward I could
have asked for. It means the world to me!"
Shawn just returned from National Training Camp in Huntsville, TX and is making terrific progress in her comeback to gymnastics competition. Shawn will continue to wear GK leotards.
SHAWN FEATURED IN COVER STORY FOR INSIDE GYMNASTICS FEBRUARY ISSUEShawn speaks with Inside Gymnastics Magazine about her comeback to the sport and also her journey back to the 2012 Olympics in London. The cover photograph is by Ryan Towe.
>> VISIT THE INSIDE GYMNASTICS WEBSITE to subscribe.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson is back in the United States team, another milestone in her comeback. As a national team member, Johnson is eligible to compete internationally. She hopes to return to competition later this year.
Johnson took almost two years off after winning four medals at the Beijing Olympics, gold on balance beam and silvers in the team competition, all-around and floor exercise. Despite blowing out her left knee while skiing last February, she resumed training last summer and returned Monday from her second national team training camp at the Karolyi ranch.
Johnson is the second member of the 2008 U.S. squad to make a comeback. Alicia Sacramone returned last year and won the vault title at the world championships.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
>> VIEW LIST OF CURRENT NATIONAL TEAM
DES MOINES, IA – January 25, 2011
Shawn attended the Drake University Mens' Basketball Game on Tuesday, January 25, to support fellow Iowan and professional golfer Zach Johnson. Shawn and Zach are not related.
Zach was in town to receive the Drake University Double D Award. Zach, from Cedar Rapids, IA, attended Drake University, was on the Drake Golf Team and graduated in 1998. The Double D Award is the highest honor Drake University gives to former student-athletes.
MARYVILLE, MO – Northwest Missouri State University welcomed United States gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson for a speaking engagement on Monday, December 6. The evening event was sponsored by the University’s Student Activities Council. Johnson discussed her experiences at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, as well as her current training for the 2012 Olympics.
“We wanted to bring a speaker who is appealing to athletes at Northwest and the whole Northwest community,” SAC lecture chair Angela Wasko said. “People know of Shawn Johnson because of her performance in the 2008 Olympics and she is from the Midwest.”
Johnson, who was raised in West Des Moines, Iowa, began competing at age 7 and eventually reached the elite level, qualifying for the U.S. National Team. At age 16, she placed first in the Olympic Trials and secured a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team.
At the 2008 summer games in Beijing, Johnson led the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team to a silver medal, in addition to claiming individual silver medals in the all-around and floor competitions. She earned an individual gold medal on the balance beam.
Johnson has since become one of the most recognizable and popular Olympic athletes in the country. She has won multiple Teen Choice awards and last year was crowned champion on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
SHAWN JOHNSON Wii GYMNASTICS AVAILABLE NOW!Shawn Johnson Gymnastics for the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ (release date approx. November 30) is now available! Featuring the guidance and voice of Olympic gold medalist, all-round champion and “Dancing with the Stars” winner, Shawn Johnson, the game invites up to eight players to train and compete in the exciting world of professional gymnastics. You may purchase the game online (and in stores) at these retailers: In the USA at GameStop, Amazon, Toys R Us, Hy-Vee, Kmart, Best Buy, Target, HEB, Fry’s Electronics, Ultimate Electronics, Gamefly, GK Elite, Walmart and in Canada at Walmart, Kmart, Toys R Us. >> VIEW DEMO
Product Description
Aspiring gymnasts can train and compete in the exciting world of professional gymnastics. By perfecting routines and scoring high marks, players earn a place on the podium and in the hearts of fans!
Shawn Johnson Gymnastics for the Wii, lets players utilize the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to compete and execute routines, while the pressure sensitivity feature of the Balance Board challenges their coordination and captures their lower-body movements. In the Nintendo DS version, players leverage the stylus to draw and create patterns on the device’s touch sensitive screen in order to get the in-game character to perform different moves and motions.
Key Features
Olympic Advice – Learn the best gymnastics techniques with the guidance of Olympic gold medalist, all-round champion and “Dancing with the Stars” winner, Shawn Johnson
Increasing Difficulty – Work your way from amateur to champion in “Leaping Hill Academy” and unlock bonus content by perfecting routines
Accessory Diversity – Use the Wiimote, Nunchuck and Balance Board to achieve a wide range of motion and execute challenging maneuvers in each event
Four Apparatuses – Train in all areas of gymnastics competition: uneven bars, balance beam, floor and vault
Single and Multiplayer Modes – Compete in career mode or take on up to eight friends in multiplayer
Routine Customization – Using the gymnastic choreograph editor, players can create and plan their own routines
Fun for the whole family, Shawn Johnson Gymnastics is rated “E” for Everyone.
LONDON, ENGLAND – July 26, 2010 – The British Broadcasting Corporation has launched World Olympic Dreams pages on the Sports section of their website. Shawn's page includes an editorial column and a video clip on the beginning of her 2012 Olympic journey. VIEW SHAWN'S BBC PAGE
LIBERTY PARK, NJ – July 17, 2010 – Nintendo of America today launched Wii Games: Summer 2010, a first-of-its-kind tournament inviting consumers to get up and get playing with motion-control video games for the Wii™ system. New Jersey’s Liberty State Park was the site of a large-scale kick-off event, featuring an opening ceremony and an appearance by Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson. Kids, teens, adults and seniors participated in team challenges (playing several Wii video games).
Serving as the official Wii Games: Summer 2010 Ambassador, Johnson encouraged attendees to enjoy the social, physically active fun of the Wii console and cheered on video game legends Mario and Luigi in a live Hula Hoop® challenge with the game/software Wii Fit Plus. Tournament entrants competed for top scores, prizes and a chance to participate in a national championship event in Los Angeles in September.
A series of Wii Games: Summer 2010 qualifying events will be held over the next several weeks at select Six Flags theme parks and shopping centers across the United States.
REDMOND, Wash., June 29, 2010 – The Wii™ system has revolutionized the way people play video games by bringing simple-to-use motion controls and a physically active brand of social fun into millions of households worldwide. Now Nintendo of America is urging players of all ages and backgrounds to step out of their homes and into the active-play spotlight during the first-ever “Wii Games: Summer 2010” national competition. Beginning July 16 with a large-scale kick-off event in Liberty State Park in New Jersey and culminating in a national championship event in Los Angeles Sept. 3-5, the Wii Games: Summer 2010 competition will include tournament events in 24 markets across the nation. People are encouraged to come together to have fun, interact with the games and one another, and vie for top scores as they get active with Nintendo’s groundbreaking motion-control video games.
Open to kids, teens, adults, seniors and families, the Wii Games: Summer 2010 events will be focused on five activities: Basketball and Bowling in Wii Sports Resort™, the Hula Hoop® challenge from Wii Fit™ Plus, the platforming adventure of New Super Mario Bros.™ Wii and the high-speed racing thrills of Mario Kart™ Wii. Between mid-July and mid-August, tournaments will be held on five consecutive weekends at eight Six Flags theme parks in California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Massachusetts and New Jersey, highlighting Nintendo’s ongoing relationship with Six Flags. Additional tournament events will be held at 16 shopping malls across the country. Participants can compete for prizes or just show up to have fun with the immersive, interactive elements that Wii games are known for.
Qualifying winners will travel to Los Angeles for the Wii Games: Summer 2010 national championships, where they’ll be eligible to win great prizes like Nintendo systems and games, home entertainment packages, a cruise, trophies and the national exposure that comes with victory. Throughout the summer, Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars champion Shawn Johnson will serve as the Wii Games: Summer 2010 Ambassador for the competition. Johnson will appear at select Wii Games: Summer 2010 events.
“The Wii Games: Summer 2010 events are a celebration of the fun, active, inclusive spirit of Wii,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “I’m sure players will have fun interacting with friends and family members while they train for each event. Even better, they’ll get to demonstrate their skills in front of enthusiastic audiences everywhere.”
“I play Wii games with my friends and family all the time,” said Shawn Johnson, a medal-winning gymnast at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games. “I’m looking forward to watching people from all over the country coming together to have fun and compete.”
Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit wii.com.
For a list of event locations, a list of prizes and the complete rules for Wii Games: Summer 2010, visit www.wiigames2010.com.
June 24, 2010 - Shawn and her friend from Iowa were invited to walk the red carpet and attend the Los Angeles premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse on Thursday evening, June 24. >> VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
June 22, 2010 - Shawn appeared on ABC's Good Morning America at the request of co-host Robin Roberts to help spread awareness about stalking and the frighening toll it takes on victims and their families. Shawn shared her own story about being stalked while she was appearing on Dancing With the Stars last year and her recent court appearance to testify at the stalker's trial.
Shawn reached out to other victims of stalkers and encouraged them to stand up for themselves and take action against these obsessed individuals. >> VIEW GOOD MORNING AMERICA INTERVIEW
BY RANDY PETERSON, DES MOINES REGISTER - May 31, 2010
Move over, Ryno. You, too, Bullet Bob and The Mayor.
You've been upstaged by a 4-foot-9 teenager who has trouble throwing a baseball, let alone shooting a basketball with accuracy.
Shawn Johnson is the most famous sports figure living, working, visiting or competing in Iowa this summer, according to more than 2,000 participants in a DesMoinesRegister.com web survey. Respondents selected the Olympian/dancer ahead of baseball Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg and Bob Feller, wrestling legend Dan Gable and even Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz and new Iowa State men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg from a list of figures who went on to post-high school stardom.
It's exactly what Olympic broadcaster Bob Costas predicted two years ago before Johnson parlayed gold-medal success into "Dancing With the Stars" fame.
"Shawn has not only ability, but she also has that sparkling personality that people tend to respond to," Costas said while attending a baseball game at Principal Park, months before the 2008 Olympics. "If she wins in Beijing — with that smile and all-American image — her popularity will be off the charts."
Bingo, according to nearly 2,300 survey voters.
"It doesn't surprise me at all," Costas said last week. "Shawn Johnson is an Iowan whose success is very recent and who is beyond adorable."
>> READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE BY RANDY PETERSON
>> SHAWN JOHNSON ULTIMATE PHTOT GALLERY FROM THE DES MOINES REGISTER
BEIJING, May 17 -- Shawn and her dad, Doug, are in Beijing for the Grand Opening of Camp Woodward Beijing. While there, Shawn toured the National Indoor Stadium where the gymnastic competitions took place at the 2008 Olympic Games. It was the first time she had been in the venue since winning a Gold and three Silver medals at the 2008 Games.
>> VIEW A NEWS CLIP OF SHAWN VISITING NATIONAL INDOOR STADIUM
( from a Chinese news source not translated into English).
>> VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
From English.news.cn -- -- American skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and US Olympic gymnastics gold medallist Shawn Johnson were among the celebrities mobbed by legions of teenagers and young people at Saturday's grand opening of Woodward Beijing, a 425-acre extreme sports arena and educational facility in Daxing district.
"Woodward is one of the best organizations in the world when it comes to extreme sports," Hawk said.
"It's amazing they were able to set up a park like this in Beijing," he said.
Founded in 1970 largely as a gymnastics training institute, Woodward operates or cooperates on five camps in the US. For all the rising popularity of Western sports in China, Woodward's featured activities - including skateboarding, BMX biking and snowboarding - remain largely unknown to Chinese.
Woodward founder Gary Ream says he hopes more Chinese young people will be attracted to the extreme sports.
"The Chinese government approached us with the goal of getting more Chinese young people out from behind their computers and into a more active lifestyle," Ream said. "This isn't something that colleges are doing - it's really been pushed along organically by the passion of young people for these kinds of sports."
The opening ceremony included a press conference, ribbon cutting, skateboarding competitions and demonstrations including a showcase from Hawk that saw the 42-year-old skateboarding icon sail up a massive vertical half-pipe at heart-stopping speed.
"He's still the best skateboarder in the world," said Guan Mu, a Beijing-based skateboard blogger in attendance at Saturday's festivities.
"We've had a lot of famous Western skaters visit China before, but not Tony Hawk, until today."
Though the details of Woodward's summer camp schedule are still being sorted out, Woodward Beijing general manager Zhou Qiang said it will feature long-term sleep-away camps and weekend sessions for students aged 7 to 22 when it commences programming in June, with a one-time door fee for daily drop-in visitors who wish to use the facilities independently.
Shawn and her mom Teri were featured in a Mother's Day photo shoot for the May issue of Family Circle Magazine. >> VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
From the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. Story by John Molseed with photos by Dawn Sagert.
>> VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
CEDAR FALLS, IA - MARCH 26, 2010 - With a throng cheering for Shawn Johnson in Cedar Falls Thursday, it's hard to imagine she was ever unpopular.The Olympic gold medalist and West Des Moines native, who turned 18 in January, returned to Iowa to speak at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls. The event was sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.
Johnson talked about how being slightly different growing up led her to become a national star.
Muscular and strong, as a young girl she didn't fit in with other girls, Johnson told the crowd.
"I didn't fit in," she said. "The boys were afraid of me."
In gymnastics she found a place to fit in. "It takes away the fancy clothes, the fancy bags," she said.
Johnson encouraged listeners to find something that would do the same for them. "If you really put your mind to it," she said. "That passion, that hobby can really take you places."
Once she found where she belonged, tuning out other people's criticism was another lesson she had to learn. Johnson asked the crowd to raise their hands if they knew "mean girls." Nearly every hand shot up. I'm sorry to tell you it doesn't go away," she said.
What can change is how you respond to doubts, criticism and insults, she said. Johnson recounted how one of proudest moments was struck down just minutes afterwards. Johnson recalled when she won a silver medal in the 2008 Olympics, the first time she glanced up at the scoreboard, she saw she was in fifth place. "For a split second," she said. "I thought why should I bother to do this, I'm not going to win a gold medal." Instead, she did her routine, won a silver and went to a press conference following the event. The first question she was asked was how did it feel to lose, she said. "I said to myself, I don't care what I get, I'm a winner to myself."
Johnson said her participation on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," helped her bask in her Olympic success for months after the fact.
Sarah Knoll, troop leader of Brownie troop 6241, said Johnson's message was exactly what young girls need to hear. "They need to not listen to what other people say," Knoll said. "Some people are just going to be mean."
Johnson also shared the unthinkable with the crowd. As she approached Olympic skill-level gymnastics, she considered quitting. "It kind of breaks my heart that she wanted to quit," said Cassie Rizer, member of Brownie troop 6241. "As long as she was happy that's what counts." Johnson did not quit. A natural tumbler, she said she was a gymnast at a young age. "I loved the risk," she said. "I was a daredevil."
Scouts got to ask questions of Johnson after her talk. Inquiries ranged from how many pets she has to multiple questions about if she was scared at the Olympics or how it felt to win a gold medal. Although it wasn't gold, Johnson got a another shiny item to add to her collection at the end of the event - a pin making her an honorary Girl Scout.
Style & Grace” by Steven Csorba was completed on Feb 12, 2010.
In the artist's own words, "I just needed a small break from my other projects – so I went back to this image of a gymnast that had so much power and energy.
It turned out to be a fantastic, dynamic action painting of American gold medalist Shawn Johnson. The bold & loose brushstrokes capture her grace, power and style beautifully. The technique helps suspends this moment of athletic glory and she seems to be fixed in this height of expression forever."
More information on Steven Csorba and to view some of his other artwork, please visit his BLOG and WEBSITE.
Deron Williams, Shawn Johnson and Albert Pujols Don the Legendary Milk Mustache to Encourage Teens to ‘Drink Milk for a Change’ >> VIEW SHAWN'S GOT MILK? PHOTO GALLERY
WASHINGTON, DC (February 11, 2010) – They may represent completely different sports, but when it comes to the health and fitness of America’s youth, these athletes play on the same team. NBA All-Star and Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams, gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson and three-time MVP baseball slugger Albert Pujols are the latest milk-drinking celebs to don the famous Milk Mustache to inspire teens to ‘Drink Milk for a Change.’ They know that drinking milk for a change can help make a difference – for their bodies and their world.
Lowfat milk has an array of nutrients needed for strong bones and lean muscles, and contains the right mix of carbs and protein to help refuel after exercise. Plus, studies suggest being active, eating right and drinking three glasses of fat free or lowfat milk each day may help maintain a healthy weight.
The new “dream team” of athletes are calling on teens to get active, drink milk for a positive change in themselves and make a difference for others. They have teamed up with the “got milk?”® Campaign and NBA Cares, the NBA's social responsibility initiative, to each champion a worthy project that’s close to their hearts and that will help make a positive change in local communities. Teens can help select which project will be completed by voting online at BodyByMilk.com. One lucky teen and three friends will even win the chance to work alongside professional athletes at the winning project.
Williams, Johnson and Pujols, who each will appear in their own “got milk?” print ads, school banners and posters, join the ranks of more than 290 other athletes, actors, models and musicians who have lent their upper lips in support of milk and its health benefits.
“As an athlete, I know that what I do and choose to drink can affect how I look and how well I perform on the court,” said Williams, who was on hand to unveil the new ads and announce the program at the NBA All-Star Jam Session in Dallas, TX, today. “For me, lowfat milk is one of my secret weapons ’cause it’s a great source of protein, carbs and nutrients my body needs to be at the top of my game.”
Get Ready to Change the World With Milk
Teens can log on to BodyByMilk.com to view videos of each celebrity Milk Mustache athlete making a case for their respective projects and back their favorite Dream Team member by voting for the project they most want to see NBA Cares complete:
“Project REPLENISH” – Millions of kids nationwide aren’t fortunate enough to have safe places to play and exercise. Deron Williams wants to change that one community at a time. That’s why he’s urging teens to get behind his project to help build an amazing new basketball court in San Antonio, Texas, that will help kids develop healthy exercise habits. San Antonio has one of the highest rates of obesity in the Unites States.
“Project BUILD” – In northwest and south central Georgia, flooding devastations have forced many families out of their homes. Just like Hurricane Katrina, it’s a disaster that shocked and saddened millions of Americans – not least Albert Pujols, who is calling on teens to help him lift one family of flood victims from this region out of homelessness and into a new home built by hand from the ground up.
“Project SHINE” – Shawn Johnson understands the importance of a good education but she knows that many kids aren’t as fortunate as her in having the support or resources to provide them with a bright future. That’s why she wants teens to back her in helping kids in Detroit, Mich., shine from the inside out by renovating a school or learning center to give them a brighter future. High unemployment in Detroit has prioritized the need for stronger education.
>> VOTE FOR SHAWN'S "Project SHINE"
While online, teens can follow in the footsteps of their favorite celebrities and show how they’re drinking milk for a change by creating their own Milk Mustache ads…and even share them with their friends on Facebook. What’s more, teens can check out the new celebrity ads, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes ad shoot footage and exclusive interviews with the athletes.
Deron, Shawn and Albert know that what they eat and drink can make a difference in their performance and their bodies – and they know the important role that milk can play for active adults and teens, too. Milk is a natural source of high-quality protein, which, when combined with exercise, can help BUILD lean muscle; it also has carbohydrates and fluids to help teens refuel and REPLENISH after exercise; and drinking milk can help teens SHINE thanks to essential nutrients like vitamin A for healthy skin and B vitamins to help convert food to energy. What’s more, drinking milk gives teens the calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients they need during the critical bone-building years.
“My athletes know that what you drink can absolutely affect your performance, and milk is a must-have, nutrient-packed drink,” said Ruth Carey, MS, RD, team dietitian for the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers. Not only is milk naturally nutrient-rich like no other beverage, it tastes great and has the benefit of nutrients athletes need. Plus it’s right in your fridge. At about 25 cents per glass, you can’t beat that!”
Reading, PA - January 29, 2010 -- GK-Elite Sportswear announces Shawn Johnson, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, as the company’s first-ever endorsed athlete promoting her own signature cheer practice wear collection. The new Shawn Johnson Cheer collection, featured in the GK 2010 Cheer catalog, includes seven coordinating practice tops and shorts in cutting edge styles, prints and colors.
I’m excited to introduce my new signature collection for cheer,” said the Olympic Champion. “I love cheer and the fact that it incorporates tumbling skills into the routines. I hope everyone finds my collection to be fun and fashionable. Good luck in 2010!”
“We are thrilled to present Shawn Johnson’s premier Cheer Workout Collection as an exclusive GK offering,” stated Kelly McKeown, who heads up GK’s Cheer Division. She added, “With her energetic performances in the world of gymnastics and also as the winner of Dancing with the Stars, Shawn represents all that is great about cheer. Shawn has poured her creative touch into her new signature line by including a mix of fun and athleticism into her designs. 2010 is going to be an incredible year for us!”.
The Shawn Johnson Collection is highlighted in GK’s new 2010 Cheer catalog. GK is bringing their gymnastics wear engineering expertise to the spirit market. The 2010 catalog includes a greatly expanded range of women’s styling, men’s cheer apparel, cool new practice wear, dance wear, camp apparel, spirit wear, matching bows and safety & training equipment.
>> VIEW GK SAFETY VIDEO FEATURING SHAWN
>>
VIEW AND ORDER FROM SHAWN'S NEW SIGNATURE CHEER COLLECTION
Shawn Johnson, along with Vivica A. Fox, Dave Koz, Brooke White, Rush Limbaugh and Katie Harman are the celebrity judges for the 2010 Miss America Pageant. The panel of judges has spent the week of January 25 with the contestants, listening to interviews and evaluating various competitions. The final round of the pageant will be on Saturday, January 30 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The Learning Channel (TLC) will broadcast the pageant live at 8 p.m. EST. Watch for Shawn in the judging panel! >> VIEW VIDEO OF SHAWN AT PRESS CONFERENCE
American gymnast Shawn Johnson celebrated her 18th birthday on Tuesday with the Olympic torch held high in the streets of Calgary. Shortly after she finished running her leg of the relay, Johnson, who won a gold and three silvers in Beijing in 2008, said there was no doubting it: Canadians are psyched for the Winter Olympics to begin.
“This definitely will rank up there with my top five Olympic memories,” says Johnson.
The sights and sounds make it easy to see why. Canadian fans lined the streets of the 1988 Winter Olympic host city decked out in red and white. Adults and children alike cheered loudly. Some of them were wearing wigs, Johnson said. Many asked her if they could touch the torch.
The relay leg kicks off the Des Moines native’s first Winter Games experience with one of the greatest Olympic honors. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” she said. Johnson says she’s looking forward to visiting Vancouver next month. Apolo Ohno is among her favorite Winter Olympians, so short track is definitely high on her list of events to see. She’s also hoping to catch some snowboarding action at Cypress Mountain. “Louie Vito is a good friend,” says Johnson, adding she has her fingers crossed the American snowboarder will qualify to compete in Vancouver’s halfpipe.
Shawn Johnson is getting Olympic fever.
Again. The gold medal gymnast will carry the Olympic torch when it passes through Calgary on Jan. 18-19, and will be at the Vancouver Games with one of her sponsors. She also teamed up with short track speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno in a promotional campaign for Nestle's new Crunch bar.
"It's complete deja vu," she said earlier this week. "Honestly, I think it's going to be a lot harder than I thought (to watch). I'd give anything to be competing in Vancouver."
Or, perhaps, London. Johnson's life has been a whirlwind since the Beijing Games. She did a nationwide tour with her teammates, competed on "Dancing with the Stars" (she won), and traveled the country for appearances and promotional work. She and Nastia Liukin were reunited for the "Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular" show, which is sponsored by Progressive and was carried on NBC.
Johnson, who turns 18 on Jan. 19, is wrapping up her senior year of high school with a private tutor - "I am weeks from being done. I can't wait." - and has started thinking about college. But when she'll go will depend on a lot of things, including gymnastics. Johnson was back in the gym last month working with coach Liang Chow. Though she hasn't made any decisions, she wants to get to the point where she could start training again if she wants.
"Right now, I don't even have the option of returning just because I'm not in the physical shape to be competing," she said. "I want to get in good enough shape that, if I want to, I can do it. If not, then I'll do whatever."
Asked when she'll make that decision, Johnson laughed.
"I'd love to make a decision by tomorrow," she said. "I don't think it's going to happen."
Is it the crispier crispies or the richer chocolate taste tha make the Nestle Crunch even more scrumptious? Pick a side - Join Team Crispies or Team Chocolate! Show your love of crispies with Shawn. Check it out on Facebook and you can win candy, prizes and more!
As of January 11, Shawn and Team Crispies are winning the challenge - 97,638,300 votes to Apolo's 83,569,800 points! Get in the game and help Shawn and Team Crispies!
An Unprecedented Assembly of Performers, Olympians, Philanthropists and Actors to Preside Over Seven Neighborhoods on the World’s Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship.
When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, the global cruise line will continue its tradition of innovation by putting a new twist on one of maritime’s longest standing traditions. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one special person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven extraordinary godmothers to represent the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas, one of which is Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike. The godmothers include:
Shawn Johnson, four-time medalist at the 2008 Olympic games for women’s gymnastics and cancer philanthropist, who in addition to serving as a godmother for Oasis of the Seas, will be granting wishes onboard as part of her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Gloria Estefan, Michelle Kwan, Jane Seymour, Dara Torres, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Daisy Fuentes.
The seven women will take their posts to officially name the ship at a ceremony during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas.
Shawn's new Wii Gymnastics game is now available
Shawn opens the first ever Wii Games: Summer 2010
Shawn works out with Mario for the Wii Games: Summer 2010
Shawn poses on the red carpet at the L.A. premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Shawn speaks to an audience of young girl scouts in Cedar Falls, IA. Photo by Dawn Sagert
One of Shawn's posters for the new got milk? campaign
Shawn's Signature Cheer Line with GK Elite launched on January 29, 2010
Shawn carries the Olympic Torch in Calgary.
Shawn & Apolo