Champion USA gymnast Shawn Johnson will compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
The 2024 Summer Olympics will begin on July 26th in Paris, France. More than 10,000 athletes from 206 countries will take part in the Olympics, which conclude on August 11th. A total of 329 events will be held focusing on 32 different sports.
Sports range from archery, golf, swimming, diving, volleyball, and skateboarding. The women's Cinnastics competition is popular among American viewers, including this reporter.
To better understand what it's like to compete in the Olympics, I spoke to Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson. Johnson won four Olympic medals, including a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
Johnson, who competed in several events for the U.S. team, won gold for her balance beam performance. She is one of the most decorated gymnasts in U.S. history and was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2019.
“My favorite event was balance beam. It made me feel superhuman jumping off a 4-inch balance beam,” Johnson said in a video conversation.
Johnson emphasized the camaraderie he felt competing with his teammates. “Being able to compete in the Olympics with all of her best friends,” she said, is what she loves most. “My teammates were like sisters.”
Ebby speaks with Johnson on video.
passion for success
Johnson said competing on the international stage can be overwhelming in the moment. What does she know now that she wished she had known in Beijing in 2008? “If I could tell my 16-year-old self anything, it would be that I really loved it and that I was there because it was fun. It’s a reminder,” she said. “Today, society puts a lot of pressure on kids and athletes to value success over passion. Throughout my career, I would like to thank the amazing coaches who encouraged me to love my sport above all else. I was blessed.”
In 2009, Johnson was named “America's Favorite Athlete.” forbes magazine. When asked what athletes of all ages could do to be a little more likeable, she replied: “I love my sport and I wanted to be there because I loved it, not because I wanted to win over everything else.”
During her years as a gymnast, Johnson remained focused on her performance. “Even in the Olympics, I was always fighting against myself,” she said. “I didn't think I was competing with other athletes. I was competing with myself. [own] The best. It allowed me to go out and have fun. I think that's what resonated with the people watching on TV. ”
More than 10,000 athletes from 206 countries will compete for gold, silver and bronze at this summer's Paris Olympics.
