NEWSShawn Johnson: I Don't Know If I Can Win DWTS
May 7 2009, Published 8:51 a.m. ET
Even though we're down to the last four pairs on Dancing With The Stars, contestant and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson tells OK! she still has no idea if she and partner Mark Ballas can win.
But — speaking right before she launched InterContinental Hotel Group's "Biggest Free Nights" offer — she told OK! that she's sure about one thing: she'll miss ice cream when the show ends and she has to start her gymastics training again!
Is there anything that you always travel with?
My journal. I write, like, once a week. I did it for the Olympics, I do it for big events and for Dancing With the Stars.
Do you still get really competitive even though it’s only a TV show?
I'm very competitive, but DWTS is just for fun. We’re all like family and supporters of each other and we’re just there to have a good time.
What do you think your chances are?
I have no idea. I hope I can make it to the final but I don’t know.
Is it harder or easier than you thought it would be?
It’s extremely hard. It’s physically demanding and exhausting but it’s the time of my life. I love it.
Do you have to do something alongside that to keep in shape for your gymnastics?
I’m just kind of taking the time off completely — enjoying every opportunity I get. This is my first break ever.
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- Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin 'Created a Sisterhood' With Her 2008 Olympic Teammates: 'It Really Is Special'
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<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3510416059_9608546aa7_o.jpg" width="400" height="589" alt="Shawn Johnson" />
What is that like?
It’s definitely different! It was hard to get used to at first, but it’s great. I’ve been in the sport so long I really needed a break to step away and take a breather and get things in check to see what I want to do and then I’ll go back afterwards.
Is there something particularly you’ve taken up doing?
Dancing With The Stars has pretty much taken up 24/7 of my time.
Have you changed your diet at all?
Now that I’m not doing elite training I can splurge and have ice cream if I want. But I still eat healthy just like always.
By Oliver Coleman
