Shawn+Johnson

=Shawn Johnson = =By Brittany Chaussee =

Swift, E.M.. "Flippin' Good." Sports Illustrated Vol. 108 Issue 26 6/30/2008 pg. 64. 20 Feb, 2008 .

This article demonstrates how Shawn does not let competition in the way of friendship. Nastia Luikin and Johnson were said to be the foundation of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team. They are compared, with Johnson being the tiny powerhouse, and Luikin being the elegant stylist. I think that this article supports my opinion that Shawn Johnson is a true role model. Throughout the Olympic trials until the very end of the Olympics, Johnson and Luikin pushed each other, while remaining strong friends. I think that this show of sportsmanship shows just how strong Shawn is, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Caseneuve, Brian. "Small Wonder." Sports Illustrated Vol. 107 Issue 8 8/27/2007 pg. 94. 20 Feb 2009 .

This article is about how Shawn began her career in gymnastics when she was very young. It also tells how Johnson’s coach hade enough faith in her to send a video of Shawn to the U.S Olympic Women’s team coordinator, Martha Karolyi.I think that this article supports my opinion that Shawn Johnson is a role model. Shawn would not be where she is today if she had given upon gymnastics. She dedicated her energy and time to do what she lobes, and she was a fast learner also. Her coach said that she learned a backhand spring in just one week. He also said that was the reason why he sent a video of Shawn’s accomplishments to Martha.

Unknown, "Shawn Johnson." Time Vol. 170 Issue 27 12/31/2007 pg. 36. 19 Feb 2009 .

This article discusses the little hope that Shawn had when she was an infant, and how she overcame certain obstacles.I think that this article supports my opinion that Shawn Johnson is a role model. Although she was just an infant when she overcame the odds of lacking muscle tone, Johnson skipped the crawling stage and learned how to walk right away. I believe that this particular event in her past has helped her to be the strong person that she is today. It also proves that she was not born perfect.

Unknown, "Nastia & Shawn Liukin Johnson." Cosmo Girl Vol. 10 Issue 10 Dec2008/Jan2009 pg. 110-111. 18 Feb 2009 .

This article discusses how Shawn shared her limelight with Nastia Luikin at the Summer Olympics. It also discusses how Johnson was able to mentally cope. I believe that this article supports my opinion that Shawn Johnson is a role model. Not only did Shawn share her fame with her best friend, but she also did not set her mind to win. She only worried about getting her performance right. Each night she would evaluate her performance, and try to fix what she thought she did wrong and set a goal. She truly dedicates a lot of time and effort into something that she loves.

Egan, Nicole Weisensee. "Shawn Johnson." People Vol. 70 Issue 7 8/18/2008 pg. 119-124. 8 Mar 2009 .

This article discusses Shawn’s high school life, while reviewing some of he highlights from the Olympics. The article also recounts Shawn’s life from when she was a child.I believe that this article supports my statement that Shawn Johnson is a role model. Shawn, unlike a lot of gymnasts, has a life outside of the gym. She goes to dances, and gets straight A’s. She also has to cope with always being treated like a celebrity by everyone around her, and she says that she doesn’t deserve it. Shawn even admits that she was scared, and even had second thoughts abut going to Beijing. This prove that Shawn is human, just like everybody else in the world.

Park, Alice. "The Muse Of the Mats." Time Vol. 172 Issue 58/24/2008 pg. 58-59. 18 Feb 2009 .

This article is about how Shawn prepares herself not only physically, but mentally too for the Summer Olympics in Beijing. She also talks about how much she wants to show as much confidence as she tries to make her coach, and country, proud. I think that this article supports my statement that Shawn Johnson is a role model. Many skilled athletes noticed how Shawn always smiled throughout her performances, and rarely portrayed any nervousness through her routines, but that anxiety is portrayed in journals, poetry, and text messages that Shawn wrote throughout her time in Beijing. She reveals very human emotions, and even doubt, and fear. She also feels a strong dedication to her parents and her coach, and she tries to make them proud.

Roberts, Robin, Muir, David. "Golden Girl." Good Morning America Transcript 8/20/2008 pg. 1. 20 Feb 2009 .

This is a transcript from the Good Morning America News Broadcast, with Nastia Luikin, as she reveals her emotions, and the awe that she has for Shawn’s personality and strength. I believe that this transcript supports my opinion that Shawn Johnson is a role model. Nastia Luikin, one of the top gymnasts, expressed her feelings for the success of her best friend and opponent. She says that Shawn would always cheer her on, even though she placed second.

Macur, Juliet. "Johnson Balances Life and Gymnastics." Olympics 2008. 04 Aug 2008. New York Times. 23 Feb 2009 . This article is about Shawn Johnson, and how she is able to act like a normal teenager, although she is an international star. She explains how humble she feels because of her size, and gives all of the credit to her coach and her parents. Shawn says that because her parents demanded a normal childhood, she still doesn’t have a huge head. I think that this article supports my statement that Shawn Johnson is a great role model. Even though she is practically worshiped around the world, she is humble. She even ran away from a cardboard cutout of herself because she didn’t want anybody to see her and think that she is vain. It goes to prove that she is just a normal teenager, with incredible talents.

Unknown, "Gymnastics." Shawn Johnson Profile. NBC Olympics. 23 Feb 2009 .

This article summarizes how Shawn Johnson was number one in the Olympic trials, and settled for second in Beijing. The article also touches base on how she uses her free time in her classes. I think that this article supports my statement that Shawn Johnson is a role model. The article states that even though Shawn was placed number two under Nastia, she did not lose hope. She says, “ I’m in this sport to become the next Shawn Johnson…” Which proves that she only wants to be herself. The article shows how she puts aside her world of fame, to help others by walking dogs in a local animal shelter during her study halls. It goes to show that she has a warm, generous heart.