"Massive systemic changes"- Former Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson weighs in on the Paris Olympics-bound U.S. Gymnastics team

Shawn Johnson praised the current US women's gymnastic team for raising standards on the mat compared to previous years. She also talked about 'systemic changes' and how the camaraderie of the gymnasts and their liveliness in the sport shone through.

Shawn Johnson was part of the 2008 Summer Games, winning silver in all-around, team, and floor exercise, and gold in the balance beam. She won five golds at the Pan-American Games over the years and amassed three golds at the 2007 World Championships. Johnson ended her gymnastics career in 2012 and continues to be an avid follower of gymnastics.

After the best five performers at the US Olympics Trials, Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezyl Rivera, secured the coveted Paris Olympic spots, Shawn Johnson predicted a successful Olympics for them, because they are a 'phenomenally strong team'.

She also expressed how 'systemic changes' over the years have led to competitors appearing to have more fun and seeming lighter when competing.

"I think we have a phenomenally strong team. I think our team and the atmosphere and the whole vibe of the USA gymnastics looks completely different than it ever has. Really massive systemic changes and you're seeing that and how all the girls are... having more fun, engaging with each other, they seem lighter, they seem happier, they seem like they're really enjoying the sport. As far as difficulty level and scores are concerned, I think we're the front runners by many many points," Shawn Johnson said. (via Yahoo Sports)

Shawn Johnson will head to the 2024 Paris Olympics to cover the event for Yahoo. She will be accompanied by her husband Andrew East, and their three kids, Drew, Jett, and Bear.

Shawn Johnson - "I'm going back with my husband and kids, and it feels so much better"

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The Iowa native will head back to the Games after years, but this time she won't be traveling alone. She was not married when she won her silvers at the Olympics. Thus, she shared that going to the Games with her family would feel very different, as she hasn't shared her career with them.

"I'm going back with my husband and kids, and it feels so much better—like this is better than any gold medal... It was such a big pivotal part of my life that my husband didn't get to experience. To be able to kind of share that with him feels special. And being able to share that part of my life with my kids a little bit seems pretty cool," said she. (via Parents)

In 2023, the couple established a charitable organization called Moment Makers Foundation, supporting athletes who require assistance with childcare.