Shawn Johnson: Making Iowa Proud

With the 2008 Olympics beginning, I am proud to have Shawn Johnson not only from our state, city (West Des Moines) and local gym. My daughters have gone to Chows Gymnastics for a couple of years and yes, I am often guilty of watching Shawn practice instead of my own kids. Do you blame me? You couldn't ask for a better representation of skill, character, and the belief that dreams really can come true.

Megan and Lucy have been playing Olympics all summer. Our backyard is a favorite spot and they have made up their own gymnastics competition. We have the bars on our swingset, the wood surrounding the playset for the balance beam, the open grass area is for showcasing the floor routines and our outdoor toy storage bin is the ideal vault. Megan is Shawn and Lucy represents Nastia Lukin. One thing that the girls have picked up from watching Shawn's televised competitions is all of the hugging that happens after the gymnasts compete. The girls rush over to give Daddy and me hugs after they perform. They always want to know who got the gold medal. Why does competition have to begin so early?

Like many Iowans, we have been following Shawn's road to the Olympics for well over a year now. The girls cut pictures out of the newspapers, collect them and want to be just like her. With other teen celebrities out there that have made some iffy choices (Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgins, Jamie Lynn Spears), Shawn's positive attitude and winning smile have been downright refreshing. I couldn't ask for a better role model for kids today. Good luck, Shawn! We will be watching!