Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson Visits KDKA
PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - The P&G Gymnastics Championships are coming next August to the Consol Energy Center. The event will feature the top male and female gymnasts in the county. The competition will help determine who will make the Olympic team.
Olympic gold medalist and season eight champion of "Dancing With the Stars" Shawn Johnson joined KDKA Radio's John Shumway to talk about the upcoming event.
It may be the winter Olympics coming, but Johnson says she still gets excited when any Olympics are approaching.
"It's a movement that I'll be forever attached to and get to relate to the athletes and people. I mean, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity," Johnson said.
Johnson says training for a spot at the Olympics in gymnastics is "probably the most consuming thing any young kid can go through."
She says there isn't much time for a life when you are training for the Olympics.
"I think it's the most physically and mentally demanding sports out there," Johnson said. "We don't' get a day off either. We train over Christmas break."
When the P&G Gymnastics Championship comes to town, spectators will see the future Shawn Johnsons of the gymnastics world.
"These are the people, men and woman who will be on that Olympic team in a few years. These are the ones we are going to choose from," she said.
She says she is glad she is retired from gymnastics because she thinks the young talent is very good.
The 2014 P&G Gymnastics Championships are August 21-24. Tickets are on sale now.
Shawn Johnson
Listen to Larry Richert and John Shumway every weekday from 5 to 9 a.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.
