Sports
Shawn Johnson Hits Ski Slopes, Talks About Opening West Des Moines Gym
The Olympic gold-medal gymnast talked to reporters in Aspen, CO, recently about her plans to open a gym in West Des Moines.
Shawn Johnson returned to skiing this week at the X Games in Aspen -- undeterred by the sport that destroyed her left knee and ended her hopes to return on the London 2012 Olympic Games.
"I love it. I miss it. What better place to start again than the X Games," she said to USA Today. "Amazing. I miss the mountain. I love the snow. I love the mountains, so it felt great."
Since her retirement in June, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist has appeared on a second season of Dancing With the Stars and been working on a variety of projects. None has her more excited than a gym that she plans to open with Woodward Camp in West Des Moines this year, the newspaper reports.
Find out what's happening in West Des Moineswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Johnson said the facility will be a place for children to try a variety of sports from BMX to gymnastics. She said she'll be helping to design the curriculum.
"I've never been this excited about a project," Johnson told USA Today. "Kids and fitness and exercise and having the freedom to learn what you want to do is kind of my passion. I feel like gymnastics was a little restrictive in not allowing me to have freedom and to be able to give that option is our main focus."
Find out what's happening in West Des Moineswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Earlier DWTS Season 15 Coverage on Patch:
Shawn Johnson on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: Seven Unforgettable Story Lines in November
'Dancing With the Stars' Final Results 2012: And the Winner Is …
'Dancing With the Stars' Results Nov. 20: Did Shawn Johnson Make It to the Championsip Round?
'Dancing With the Stars' Results Nov. 19: How Did Shawn Johnson's Slinky Tango Rate With Judges?
'Dancing With the Stars' Results: Any Missteps for Shawn Johnson on Salute to Veterans Night?
Dancing with the Stars Results: Did West Des Moines Native Shawn Johnson Survive?
Dancing With the Stars Results: Did Shawn Johnson Get the Boot on Country Night?
Dancing With the Stars Results: Shawn Johnson Has Judges Squabbling
Did Shawn Johnson Survive to Dance Another Week?
Dancing with the Stars Results: Shawn Johnson Scores Three Perfect 10s
Dancing with the Stars Results: Shawn Johnson Gets 'Best Dance Ever' Raves from Judges
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