Recently, Olympic champion Shawn Johnson shared her feelings about moving on from gymnastics, expressing excitement about watching various sports, especially breakdancing, make their debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Johnson noted a connection between breakdancing and gymnastics, citing an American breakdancer who originally aspired to be an Olympic gymnast. “It wouldn’t surprise me,” Johnson remarked, highlighting the similarities between the two disciplines.
While looking forward to supporting her friend Walker Zimmerman on the USA soccer team, Johnson acknowledged the challenging road ahead for the team’s quest for a gold medal, yet expressed optimism, saying, “It’s not impossible.”
Reflecting on her own Olympic journey, Johnson reminisced about her early success in gymnastics, winning six medals at just 16 years old, including a gold for her floor routine. However, a knee injury sustained while skiing dashed her hopes of returning to the Olympics four years later.
Despite once yearning to compete again during the Olympic games, Johnson recently declared a shift in mindset, stating, “I don’t really feel that pull to be there anymore.”
Transitioning from being a renowned athlete to a more public persona through social media has been a significant change for Johnson. With 4.3 million followers on Instagram, she now shares glimpses of her family life and engages in playful challenges with her husband, aiming to showcase authenticity rather than perfection.
When choosing brands to collaborate with, Johnson values alignment with her family’s values and morals. Her partnership with Dairy Queen, supporting Miracle Treat Day, is a cause close to her heart, as funds raised benefit children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
While Johnson focuses on philanthropy and life beyond the Olympics, she remains engaged with the gymnastics world. She sees herself as a maternal figure to the current Olympic team, offering support and lighthearted jokes to lift their spirits when needed.
Appreciating the evolving landscape of professional athletes advocating for competitor well-being, Johnson lauds Simone Biles and her peers for using their platforms to promote athlete health and safety. She commends Biles for her decision to return to the Olympics, acknowledging her unparalleled talent and legacy.
With over a decade since her own Olympic journey, Johnson observes the shift towards prioritizing athletes’ longevity and well-being, exemplified by the inspirational voices of athletes like Biles. She celebrates the new generation of gymnasts mentored by experienced veterans, fostering a supportive and empowering environment within USA gymnastics.