VIDEO: DANCING WITH THE STARS Special Preview - Shawn Johnson

By: Sep. 22, 2012
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DANCING WITH THE STARS - ALL STARS marks the first time prior contestants will return for another chance at winning the coveted mirror ball trophy for a very special All-Star season. From former champions to fan favorites, including a celebrity voted in by fans, the stars and their professional partners will return to the ballroom on national television during the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars," MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), followed by the premiere of "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show" on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

So, what's more challenging-competing in the Olympics or Quickstepping on Dancing with the Stars? Shawn Johnson is one person who can answer that question, as she's excelled in both venues.

At 20 years old, gymnast Shawn Johnson has accomplished a lifetime of achievements including an individuAl Gold medal in the balance beam and three silver medals in the individual all-around, floor exercise, and team categories at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

In April 2009, Shawn was named the 79th Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Sullivan Award recipient, one of the most prestigious honors in amateur sports. At the age of 17, Shawn became the youngest ever contestant on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, where she danced her way to becoming the Champion of Season 8.

After a two-year hiatus from competitive gymnastics, Shawn returned to training in 2010 in an effort to make the 2012 Olympic Team. Just weeks before Olympic Trials, she was forced to withdraw due to injury and retired from the sport. Shawn hopes to attend an Ivy League school and would like to study business, medicine and to own a gymnastics facility some day.

Shawn's second book, Winning Balance: What I've Learned So Far About Love, Faith and Living Your Dreams, was published in June 2012. Her first book, Shawn Johnson, Olympic Champion-Stories Behind the Smile was published in January 2009.

Shawn is involved in a number of philanthropic activities such as working with animal and children's charities, working with cancer charities, particularly those that affect women and children, and is a strong advocate of health and wellness initiatives. Shawn is also involved in programs that help build good character amongst youth across the country.



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