Shawn Johnson targets small gymnastics comeback in 2016
2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson has been cleared by her doctor to begin working out again in hopes of joining USA Gymnastics' Tour of Gymnastics Champions after next summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, she tellsPeople Magazine.
Johnson, 23, had a full knee reconstruction in March. She retired from competition in June 2012 after trying to stage a comeback from a knee injury in a 2010 ski accident. She tore her ACL, MCL and meniscus, along with her hamstring in the accident and never returned to full strength.
“I last performed in 2012 – a long time ago,” Johnson toldPeople. “I'm feeling good, a little nervous. My surgeon is okay with it and I started working out again about a month ago.”
“I'm trying to get back into shape and they used the word leotard and I about had a heart attack," she added. "So I'm working on getting back into leotard shape.”
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Since retirement Johnson has started running and completed several half-marathons. A full-marathon remains on her bucket list. She is also a certified trainer and assists at gymnastics clinics.
Johnson is getting ready to marry former Vanderbilt football player Andrew East after he proposed at a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field in the summer.
- Christopher Chavez
