Gymnast Shawn Johnson, the four-time Olympic medalist and 2009 Dancing with the Stars champ, is calling it quits on the sports she loves most.
Johnson announced over the weekend that repeated setbacks with her injured left knee has made contending for a spot at the London Olympics impossible.
“I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics,” Johnson said in a statement. “Unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey.”
The 20-year-old Johnson suffered the injury while skiing in 2010. The future is uncertain for this young athlete except for plans to travel to London to cheer on her US teammates.
“I’m scared to death to know what the future holds because it’s kind of a blinded road I’ve never thought about, but I’m excited as well. I’m ready to start the journey,” Johnson told ESPN.
