Four-time Olympic medalist Shawn Johnson announced Sunday that she is retiring from gymnastics. She'd come back to the sport in hopes of making the 2012 Olympic Team, but has decided to pull out of the team selection process at this point.
She said, in a statement, "I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics. Unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey. "
The knee she is referring to was injured during a 2009 ski accident, and she's said many times that it hasn't felt the same since then. Later, in a press conference, she added, "Even if I had been at 100%, it would have taken everything I had and it would have taken luck [to make the team]" due to the depth of talent of US gymnastics. But said, "I couldn't be prouder of myself and how far I've come."
Johnson is planning to go to London to cheer on the US team, and hopes to enroll in college (possibly Stanford or Vanderbilt) next fall, if not sooner. "I'm scared to death to know what the future holds...I haven't really thought about it yet! But I'm excited as well."
Johnson is one of the most popular US gymnasts ever, and to her fans she said, "Thank you, and I'm sorry...Having them in the stands has made my journey worth it. Saying goodbye to them and thank you is hard. I'm sorry if I upset them or disappointed them, but I hope they can understand."
Pictured above: Johnson at 2011 Pan Ams; © Scott Heavey / Getty Images
Comments
Doesn’t surprise me all that much. When Shawn re-injured her knee, I had suspected the jig was up for her this year.
I guess maybe she SHOULD have listened to her coach when he always insisted that she NEVER GO SKIING!!
Gee, what a profound prophecy this video makes, after all…
http://tinyurl.com/2bhh3hd
Would you not agree?
Well said Shawn! A gracious and honest finish to a great career.
You’ll do well, wherever your journey takes you.
shawn has always been one of mine and my daughters favorites. my daughter is a gymnast and thank god had never beem seriously injured. i applaued her efforts and wish her the best of luck in all that she has in her future. we will be watching the olympics and hope to see a glimpse of her. gods speed shawn johnson. we all love you!!!
She’s a beautifull, IMMENSELY talented,sexy, impish,warm, vibrant girl who’s Virtually irreplaceable………..
God Bless her. xx
– England.
First off Robin S. who are you to judge someone? Shawn took a break from gymnastics and doing so she got to live a normal life where it was not all about being in the gym everyday. She got to have fun with family and friends and accidents happen. Its unfortunate because she is unbelievable!!! And sometimes we dont know the reason why but things happen for a reason. I wish it didnt i know she would have gone really far but she made her fans proud i believe. I know it must have been hard for her to back out since she had herself set on this year’s olympics, but she gave it everything she had thats all anyone could ask for. You bowed out gracefully shawn, always keep dreaming big and you will go far in life as you are now. God bless you!