Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Iowa Gymnast Tumbles Toward Olympic Glory
Shawn Johnson performs on the uneven bars at the 2008 Tyson American Cup on March 1, 2008, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
(
Chris Trotman
/
Getty Images
)
Listen
0:00
You've probably never heard of Shawn Johnson, especially if you live outside of Iowa. But the 16-year-old gymnast from West Des Moines is the reigning World All-Around champion and is considered one of the favorites to win gold at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Jeneane Beck reports for Iowa Public Radio.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.