Johnson competed in the Junior Olympics (U.S. Level 10) National Championships when she was 12 years old, finishing fourth in the all-around, first on the beam, and second on the floor.
Despite her talent, USA Gymnastics did not initially invite her to national team training camps, and her coach Liang Chow had no interactions with the national staff.
Chow, on the other hand, forwarded a video of Johnson to the National Team Coordinator, Marta Karolyi, in 2005, with the comment, “I believe this kid will help the U.S. team.” Chow’s confidence impressed Karolyi, who invited Johnson to national team training camps.
Johnson made an immediate impression, qualifying for Junior International Elite on her first try and finishing third at the 2005 US Classic. However, at the 2005 United States National Championships, she fell from the balance beam and finished tenth overall.
Undaunted, Johnson added a Jaeger on bars, a full-in back-out dismount off beam, and a double-twisting double back on the floor to her arsenal in 2006. She outscored all of her senior elite counterparts in the 2006 U.S. Junior National All-Around Championship.
How old was Shawn Johnson when she stopped gymnastics?
Shawn Johnson East, a gold medalist in gymnastics, left the sport at the young age of 20 after one of the most successful careers.
How old was Shawn Johnson when she won the Olympic medal?
Shawn Johnson was 16 years when she won the Olympic medal.