Shawn Johnson has started workouts at Chow's Gymnastics

[Braziliangirl]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/art...12240331/1003/

Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson has started workouts at Chow's Gymnastics in West Des Moines as she continues to explore whether to return to elite-level competition — and a run at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Johnson's father, Doug, said she began training a little more than a week ago and is working out about every other day.

In July, Shawn Johnson told The Des Moines Register that she would have to commit "this year" to have enough time to prepare for a potential return to the Olympics.

No decision on Olympic competition has been finalized, however, Doug Johnson said.

"She hasn't made a decision yet," Doug Johnson said. "That's kind of why she's down at Chow's now. She wanted to get back in the gym and see how things went and get back into shape, as far as being at the gym and stuff.

"She still has a little bit of time."

Johnson won a gold medal in the balance beam - along with three silvers - during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

Since the Olympics, her time has been more concentrated away from the gym. She won "Dancing With the Stars," appeared on television shows ranging from Late Night with David Letterman to Oprah - and much more.

Johnson also won the Sullivan Award, given annually to the nation's top amateur athlete.

Now, at least to a degree, Johnson is taking a more hands-on approach to considering a competitive return by working at her hometown gym operated by Liang Chow - coach of the United States team at the 2008 Games.

Asked if Johnson and Chow were pairing up again in an official way, Doug Johnson said: "he's there. He's definitely telling her what to do and helping her out - more or less."

Shawn Johnson and Chow were not able to be reached for comment.

Johnson said he is unsure of his daughter's leanings, if any.

"I've never pushed her," he said. "I know a lot of people want a decision, but we're leaving it completely up to her.

"She's just trying to get back into shape - to be able to compete."





It doesn't mean that she is going to be back but who knows.

[gymgal92]

Color me shocked.
Very...very....VERY shocked.

O_O

[Braziliangirl]

I'm very shocked too.

[Janafan]

I hope it goes well for her.

[FullInFullOut]

It could also be to buy herself some more time on the whole decision announcement thing. She might be doing it with that idea in mind.

But then, I always did love useless speculation. As much as I'd love to see Shawn come back, I'd rather see her happy. If that means gym, awesome. If not, that's okay, too.

But seriously - get your ass back to work, Shawn. lol

[gymgal92]

Originally Posted by FullInFullOut

It could also be to buy herself some more time on the whole decision announcement thing. She might be doing it with that idea in mind.

But then, I always did love useless speculation. As much as I'd love to see Shawn come back, I'd rather see her happy. If that means gym, awesome. If not, that's okay, too.

But seriously - get your ass back to work, Shawn. lol

Bahahahaa. Fast.

[punki-khorki]

Let's party!!

[kitty]

You know, I am so happy only because I know she didn't LIE to everyone! She couldn't be ready by 2010, but 2011 if she works real hard, maybe...

[medstudent24]

I'm ice skating home, hell just froze over.

[gym.love]

WOoohoooo !

Now, I also hope this ISN'T a PR tactic, though I've always given her the benefit of the doubt in that sense.

Aaahhhhh!

Okay, I musn't get my hopes riled up. I'll wait to see what the outcome of this is.

this post warmed my heart:

Originally Posted by punki-khorki

Let's party!!