Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars contestant Shawn Johnson has just received a very special award.
On Wednesday night the petite Johnson received the Sullivan Award, which is given to the country’s top amateur athlete.
Johnson is just the third gymnast to receive the honor. And the first female gymnast ever!
Other finalists this year included members of the US Olympic swim team, as well as volleyball and basketball players.
Says the 17-year-old Johnson, “Being up there with all the other athletes and just hearing all the titles they kept listing off, I was like, `There’s no way.’ Then when they called my name. It’s the biggest honor there is. To be the first female gymnast, it’s just amazing. I’m so excited.”
So, will Shawn return to gymnastics once she’s done on Dancing With the Stars?
According to Johnson, “Definitely after this I’ll go back to the gym and see how my body reacts to it and see if I still have the passion for it.” And then added, “Which I’m sure I do.”
[Image via WENN/FayesVision.]
