Shawn Johnson Finally Golden

Three times the young U.S. athlete Shawn Johnson saw her Olympic gold medals edged away from her. First by the Chinese team, second by teammate Nastia Liukin, and finally by the young Sandra Izbasa of Romania, who snatched away the gold in the final routine.

Johnson was the favorite on uneven bars and in the floor exercises, but unfortunately things didn’t go well. Johnson was so close to the gold in three events, but it just slipped away from her. It must be painful knowing that you nearly had it.

"Of course, when you're training your whole life to get to the Olympics, you train for gold," said the young Olympian after winning her last of three silver medals. "But honestly, silver around my neck three times at the Olympics means more to me than anything."

Shawn Johnson, 16 years old and from West Des Moines, IA, was the world all-around and floor exercise champion in 2007. She is considered one of the top gymnasts in the world. As always, she wore a bright and astonishing smile when she finally saw her Olympic dream become true.

She finally grabbed the gold, overtaking her teammate and friend Nastia Liukin, who grabbed the silver. It was on the balance beam and in her final performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

It was about time. Being an Olympian is every athlete’s dream, but earning a gold medal is more than that. Shawn has finally gotten what she deserves.

During the interviews after she grabbed the gold, Johnson occasionally touched her medal. It was as if she was making sure it was really there.  It was really beautiful to see her happiness with that gold. She really deserved it.

"To finally have gold and be an Olympic gold medalist is what everybody dreams of," Johnson said, "To finally have it around my neck, it's amazing."  You may say that again Shawn.

Congratulations, Shawn Johnson, on your performance in Beijing 2008. I wish you everything great to come. See you in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.