Johnson in First at US Nationals

Shawn Johnson Photo © Chris Trotman / Getty Images

Shawn Johnson took the early lead today at the 2008 Senior US Nationals. Johnson, the 2007 All-Around World Champion, had a great day, with three scores of 16 or higher. Her lowest mark came on the uneven bars (15.40), but she still had the fifth-best score on that event. Johnson successfully performed her new Amanar vault, cementing her status as a serious contender for the Olympic All-Around title.

Nastia Liukin had the second-highest total of the day (62.30 to Johnson's 63.45), and received a massive 17.05 on bars -- the highest score recorded in the US so far under the new Code of Points. Had Liukin not fallen on her double front on floor, the competition between her and Johnson would have been much closer.

Be sure to tune in to NBC at 4 pm on Saturday, June 7 to watch day two of the competition.