Shawn Johnson is an American gymnast, Olympic champion in beam exercises and silver medalist in the absolute championship, floor exercise and team competitions in gymnastics of the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing, absolute world champion in 2007, absolute champion of the USA in 2007 and 2008. Also, in 2009, she won the eighth season of the American television show Dancing with the Stars.

Throughout 2008, Johnson maintained a more balanced lifestyle that was not typical of elite-level gymnasts. Instead of the usual 40 hours of training per week, she was limited to 25. In addition, unlike many of her rivals, she studied at a free public school. Sean was an honors student, going to football games and extracurricular activities.