[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 137 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN TRIBUTE TO SHAWN JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LEONARD L. BOSWELL

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. BOSWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a young Iowa woman 
whose inspired, gymnastic talent has made her a key player on the 
international Olympic stage. Shawn Johnson, age 15, is quickly becoming 
a force to be reckoned with amongst some of the best female gymnasts in 
the world. No stranger to media attention, Shawn was honored this week 
as ABC News' ``Person of the Week.''
  A Des Moines native, Shawn began practicing gymnastics at the age of 
six, as a way to channel excess energy. Originally thought to be 
incapable of attaining the grace that modern gymnastics requires, 
Shawn's future as a world-class gymnast looked rather bleak. However, 
with the right coach, hard work, and a positive attitude, she was 
recently named ``World Champion'' at the contest in Stuttgart, Germany. 
This year alone, she has been named the 2007 U.S. National Champion, 
the AA and Beam Champion in Lisburn, the 2007 American Cup All-Around 
Champion, and the ``all-around'' gymnast at the 2007 Pan-American 
contest, among many others.
  Aside from her athletic aptitude, Shawn is also an exceptional 
student, and having just started her junior year at Valley Southwoods 
High School in West Des Moines, she is interested in her high school 
football team, horseback riding, scrap-booking, and spending time with 
her friends and family. Shawn feels that the discipline she has learned 
from her involvement in gymnastics has helped her to excel in other 
areas of her life.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this impressive and 
determined young lady. We wish you the best of luck as you continue to 
represent your community and your country in all of your athletic 
endeavors.




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