Q&A with Shawn Johnson

Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Shawn Johnson, who is from West Des Moines, will participate Sunday in the Hy-Vee Whole Health Experience at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, beginning at noon.

You've certainly been busy since Beijing. What's your schedule been like recently?

This is actually a slow time for me, which with me isn't really slow. I'm staying home a lot. I'm getting more time to spend in the gym and get back into shape. I'm finishing up school and trying to get into college. I'm working with McDonald's. I'm going to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Ten kids get to travel with me there and experience the Games. I've done some correspondence work with “Dancing with the Stars.” I'm kind of enjoying life right now.

What is next for you in gymnastics?

It's still a huge question on whether I'm going to return right now. It's a hard decision. I fulfilled my lifelong dream and goal in Beijing. It's a huge commitment, but I miss the sport. I am getting back in shape. I'm playing around in the gym to see if it's still what I want to do.

How much time do you spend in the gym?

I haven't really started in the gymnastics gym yet. I go to a fitness center every day. I have a physical trainer I'm working with. I'm trying to get back in the position I want to be in.

How much time will you spend working on your sport if you return?

It's a full-time job. Four hours every day Monday through Friday. Six hours on Saturday. I get Sunday off.

What has been the most fun thing you've done since the Olympics?

“Dancing with the Stars” by far. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could. Being thrown into something completely new was refreshing. I'd never done anything besides gymnastics. It was really rewarding for me.

Where is your trophy from winning “Dancing With the Stars”?

I keep it on a little shelf in the family room.

Are you back in high school?

I am finishing up school. I have three months left. I work with a private tutor. I'm getting ready for the SAT and applications for college.

You have a 4.0 GPA. Where would you like to go?

Harvard or Stanford.

Through your partnership with Hy-Vee, you are promoting healthy living and active lifestyles. What's your message for young girls?

Don't get caught up in the image. Don't get caught up in that “have to be skinny and tall and beautiful” and what they tend to push on TV. It's all about inner beauty and confidence and pursuing what you love; being great in school or in a sport you love.

Talk about growing up as a gymnast.

My parents put me in it when I was 3, and I fell in love with it. It's just about finding what you love to do. If you find that thing, you'll succeed in whatever you do.

Do you think 3 was too young?

When you start young, you find out what you love to do even earlier. My parents never pushed me to become anything. I was an energetic kid and they had to give me something to do. I tried dancing, soccer, swimming and track. Gymnastics is what I kept coming back to.

Any thoughts on the Iowa Hawkeyes?

I'm a huge Hawkeye fan. One of my really good friends goes there and they help get me tickets.

Who is your favorite player?

Probably (quarterback) Ricky Stanzi. (I like) his ability to keep going. He has kind of struggled at the beginning of games, but he's never failed to come back.

— Marjie Ducey