To have any doubt in your body is the biggest weakness an athlete can have. There are times when I physically can't get myself to go for a skill because I'm thinking, 'My knee hurts really bad.' — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
It might have been easier to retire, to say my knee couldn't handle it and let that be that. At the same time, the prospect of not being able to compete in gymnastics anymore was heartbreaking. — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
My parents- they've been my biggest influences and supporters since day one. They teach me every day that happiness comes from within and not… — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
I had a constant fear, a constant little doubt in my mind: 'OK, I'm getting ready to do my standing back full on beam… — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
“I understand that nothing is easy. I say everything happens for a reason. I dream of one day the world is in peace. I… — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
The body is an amazing machine... If you eat the right things your body will perform incredibly well! — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
I set my phone with motivational quotes to go off on random days and times. Like, 'You're stronger than you think you are.' I'll… — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
I was always known as that stocky, muscular, powerful, short, athlete. People always wondered if I was on steroids, and it was because I… — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
My coach, Liang Chow, had one rule while I was training for the 2008 Olympics: no skiing. I could do anything I wanted outside… — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
I think it's important for girls at a young age to be involved in as many things as possible. Especially safe communities of people… — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
I missed being considered an athlete and having that competitive drive, and missed having something to work for every day. I'd taken two and… — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
Gymnastics taught me everything - life lessons, responsibility and discipline and respect. — Shawn Johnson Copy Share Image
