![]() Although her gymnastics career is over and we will miss her, we believe an even brighter future is waiting for her." Shawn's dedication to gymnastics and her work ethic make her a great example for future generations to follow. "My wife, Li, and I have enjoyed the many years we have had working with her. "Shawn has brought much joy, grace, energy and great success to the gymnastics world," said Liang Chow, who has coached Johnson since she began in gymnastics. We look forward to having her continue to be a part of the gymnastics movement while she pursues the next chapter of her remarkable career." And while we celebrate her competitive achievements, we also appreciate everything she has done as a role model and ambassador for our sport. "I have tremendous respect for Shawn's dedication and hard work during her return to gymnastics for a run at her second Olympics. "Shawn has been an outstanding representative of USA Gymnastics throughout her career," said Peter Vidmar, chairman of the Board for USA Gymnastics and 1984 Olympic gold medalist. We wish Shawn the best of success as she begins her next adventure and future involvement in the sport." As an individual, she won two World gold medals, including the coveted all-around title, and three Olympic medals. Shawn contributed to two of our country’s most successful teams in recent history – the 2007 World Championships Team, which won the USA’s second World team title, and the 2008 Olympic silver-medal team. "Her personality, smile and powerful gymnastics won both medals and fans. "Shawn is one of our country’s most popular gymnasts, and she has been an integral part of the USA’s success," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. ![]() I will be there with every ounce of pride and energy to cheer on my girls and Team USA." "I have had the honor to train and compete with them, and I am excited to join the gymnastics family and fans in cheering them on to victory. "I am announcing this now so the focus for the next three weeks will be on the incredibly talented gymnasts who are trying to make our 2012 Olympic Team," said Johnson. To my coaches, Liang and Li Qiao (Chow), thank you for nurturing me throughout my life in the sport of gymnastics and the lessons of sportsmanship. To my parents, Teri and Doug, I thank you for the love you have given me. And to my fans and friends, I will be forever grateful. Also, my agent, Sheryl Shade, has truly given me the chance to pursue my biggest dream while sharing my story with the world. "Thanks to all of my sponsors for allowing me to represent them, and their support has been a dream come true. "Being given the opportunity again by Martha Karolyi and USA Gymnastics to represent the USA has been the greatest honor of this comeback," said Johnson. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey. "Unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. "I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics," said Johnson, who also won two senior U.S. ![]() Johnson, who has been on the comeback trail since 2011, was forced to cut her efforts to make her second Olympic team short due to recurring knee problems. Her stellar career includes three World gold medals and one gold and three silver Olympic medals, and her gymnastics prowess and outgoing personality made her a fan favorite. Shawn Johnson of West Des Moines, Iowa, who has four Olympic and three World career medals, today announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics. ![]()
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