WSJ on Shawn Johnson

**Clone83** · 08-20-2008, 01:32 AM

Shawn Johnson, Gamer - WSJ.com

Wow.

How many athletes get their own editorial in the Wall Street Journal?

**cmoneyr** · 08-20-2008, 08:07 AM

That's crazy since I've been told by people here that only Iowans care about her, weird.

**Ficklone02** · 08-20-2008, 08:27 AM

I think she really represented herself, our country and Iowa very well. Kudos to her!

**CyinCo** · 08-20-2008, 08:32 AM

Her unending smile through all this has shown her great sportsmanship. Maybe it was all a disguise but I think it would be hard to hide your true feelings. I believe she is genuine in her happiness to be at the games and even see others win. I'm glad she finally came out on top as well.

**intrepid27** · 08-20-2008, 08:34 AM

Great case study on imagery and marketing. Luikin is a superior gymnast yet the country's focus remains remains on Shawn. With that infectious smile, gracious personailty and coming from working class roots Shawn is a marketing person's dream. I'll bet Hy-Vee is very glad she won a gold.

**CycloneErik** · 08-20-2008, 08:35 AM

I'm extrememly proud of this girl! The fact that she is an Iowan, and the example her parents set for her is icingon the cake.

I saw her victory tonight in the breakroom over lunch, and just about started to cry. She really is why the Olympics can be fun to watch

**cycloneryan** · 08-20-2008, 09:01 AM

She is 100% amazing. What a great person to represent des moines, iowa, and the country.

**The_Architect** · 08-20-2008, 09:03 AM

Could her or Lolo Jones be any more classy in all their interviews? Everytime we heard from them the interviewer said Des Moines or West Des Moines at least 4 times, then combine that with the first rate class coming from both those girls. Pretty cool.

**cigaretteman** · 08-20-2008, 09:29 AM

and here's one from the Washington Post

Sally Jenkins - Undeniably a Champion - washingtonpost.com

**IsuRedandGold** · 08-20-2008, 09:29 AM

she did a great job

**djkent01** · 08-20-2008, 09:37 AM

The Washington Post article was very moving, thanks for sharing. I wish I could have had the emotional maturity and resilience at age 30 that Shawn has at 16.

**iowast8fan** · 08-20-2008, 09:40 AM

Quick question about her HyVee Sponsorship....Does it limit her ability to join a college gymnastics team? I know with football or basketball, athletes getting sponsored and receiving gifts even as little as clothing can kill them when they get to college. What would make gymnastics any different?

**isuno1fan** · 08-20-2008, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by intrepid27

Great case study on imagery and marketing. Luikin is a superior gymnast yet the country's focus remains remains on Shawn. With that infectious smile, gracious personailty and coming from working class roots Shawn is a marketing person's dream. I'll bet Hy-Vee is very glad she won a gold.

I WOULD NOT say Luikin is a superior gymnast. The accolades she has collected over the last couple years would show SJ to be superior.

BOTH had an excellent Olympics.

You are correct in saying that Shawn is the marketing winner though. You can't help but smile when she is smiling. Ridiculously cute.

**Ms3r4ISU** · 08-20-2008, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by iowast8fan

Quick question about her HyVee Sponsorship....Does it limit her ability to join a college gymnastics team? I know with football or basketball, athletes getting sponsored and receiving gifts even as little as clothing can kill them when they get to college. What would make gymnastics any different?

I seem to remember reading that athletes at this level either don't or can't participate at the college level. But really, what is there to gain by outscoring every person on your team and all others that you compete against in college?

**cmoneyr** · 08-20-2008, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by iowast8fan

Quick question about her HyVee Sponsorship....Does it limit her ability to join a college gymnastics team? I know with football or basketball, athletes getting sponsored and receiving gifts even as little as clothing can kill them when they get to college. What would make gymnastics any different?

I don't think it'd be any different, but I also don't think she'd be interested in college gymnastics.