
LANGFITT: The United States did not do as well in the women's 400 meters. women gymnast won eight medals in Beijing. LANGFITT: Johnson's teammate, Nastia Liukin, took silver in the balance beam. And I think this had her to feel that this is about herself and (unintelligible) real good. She was a little frustrated and, by not winning the (unintelligible). women's national team coordinator Martha Karolyi said winning gold was crucial for Johnson. I just - it was - it's the only thing, so I wanted to finish it up as best as I could. And I didn't think about what other girls had gotten or what the judges were going to give me. I mean, for the first time, I think, in this whole experience, I really just let everything go. But she said her coach helped her relax and just focus on the routine. LANGFITT: Johnson was fighting nerves before the competition. It just - it's, I would say, the perfect ending for the story. JOHNSON: Finally, I have the gold on my favorite event and the event that I worked so hard on. The 16-year-old from West Des Moines was glowing and all grin. LANGFITT: That's Johnson talking to reporters after the event. SHAWN JOHNSON (Olympic Gold Medalist): It feels amazing. And when she nailed her dismount, the crowd in Beijing's national indoor stadium sensed she would win the medal that had eluded her. She moved through a routine with confidence, landing solidly after each jump and flip. LANGFITT: But when she came out to compete, the 4'9" Johnson gave one of her signature power performances. And today, we had a little bit of rough warm up. LIANG CHOW (Coach): I would say there's a little bit more pressure on her shoulders. Her coach Liang Chow said before tonight's competition, Johnson had a headache and was shaking. But in event after event in Beijing, she kept coming up with silver. She was the world champ in the individual all around. NPR's Frank Langfitt has our story starting with the happy ending.įRANK LANGFITT: Shawn Johnson came to China as a favorite.

The runner was ahead in the final stretch of the 400 meters, but then she faded and settled for bronze. It came on the balance beam in the game's final gymnastics competition.Īmerica's Sanya Richards did not fare as well.

After three silver medals, gymnast Shawn Johnson has finally won Olympic gold. First, it was a big day for two American women who came to Beijing with high hopes. I'm Michele Norris.Īnd in this segment, we head to the Olympics. Watch NBC tonight to see the women vault into Olympic superstardom.From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. Bridget Sloan disappointingly was forced to scratch from the meet. Returning Olympians Nastia Liukin and Alicia Sacramone are working hard to impress coach Marta Karolyi, who will ultimately name the team of five women later Sunday night after the second day of competition concludes. Jordyn Wieber is well on her way to securing a place on Team USA with Shawn's training partner Gabby Douglas just a pointed toe behind. Related: Muse to Debut Olympic Theme Song Today I didn't want to let myself compete before I knew I was at my best and I still had a ways to go to get there." It is admittedly "rough" for Shawn to be sidelined while her former opponents and teammates continue to chase their dreams, but, "my standard and my bar was set so high that knowing where I was and how far I had left to get back to 2008 and what I was then.

With the pressure of fierce competition off her muscular shoulders, the Dancing With the Stars champ is looking forward to savoring every moment of the Olympic experience at this year's games.
