Straight from the Horse's Mouth

Shawn Johnson has confirmed that, contrary to earlier reports, she's determined to go on competing. In an interview broadcast on Iowa state TV last night (click here to see it), Shawn says she has it "set in stone" that she "wants to keep going." "Gymnastics is my life," the tired-looking Olympic balance beam champ said during the interview. "I can't see myself finishing it."

We're very glad to hear it. We think Shawn has more to give to the sport than she's done so far. (Not that that's anything to be sniffed at, but you all know what we mean.)


Shawn Johnson (photo: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, in other news from other parts of the English-speaking world...

--- Former Australian national team member Chloe Sims, whose sudden retirement last May shocked Aussie gymnastics fans, is attempting a comeback of sorts. Sims has just signed up with NCAA powerhouse Utah. Earlier, her former teammate Olivia Vivian had joined Oregon State University's team. What with Shayla Worley just having joined Georgia, and Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs going to UCLA, this year's NCAA competition is looking spectacular.


Chloe Sims

--- And over in England, Beth Tweddle has embarked on a physical therapy course. Beth will be completing a foundation course in physical therapy at Birkenhead Sixth-Form College before going on to study the subject at Liverpool University. What with all the injuries currently marring the sport, we expect Beth's new expertise will come in handy at some point.


Beth Tweddle (photo: Getty Images)