Shawn Johnson will not be helping the USA gymnastics team earn gold medals at London's Olympic Games this summer since she has announced her retirement.
The 20-year-old world champion gymnast made her statement on Sunday in which she bases her retirement on injury-related purposes.
"I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics," her statement reads. "Unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey."
Here after, Johnson plans to continue her involvement in gymnastics but under a different role.
"I also will continue to be involved in the growth of gymnastics because it has been an important part of my life for 15 years. I am very excited about starting the next part of my journey," her statement reads.
She also plans to go to college and work with various philanthropic foundations hoping to inspire people to follow their dreams and passions.
The gymnast also announced her plans to travel to London this year on behalf of sponsors and she will have the opportunity to cheer for Team USA.
Johnson has accrued a number of achievements during her professional career. She won a gold medal in Beijing's 2008 Olympics on the balance been and was world the all-around gold medalist in Stuggart's 2007 World Championships Rio de Janeiro's 2007 Pan American Games.
In January 2010, Johnson injured her left knee (tore ACL) while skiing. Although she had reconstructive knee surgery to remediate it, from thereon, her knee remained hindrance to return to the same level of performance.
The 2008 Olympic gold-medalist thanked her trainers, fans, and sponsors for the all the support she has received during her short but well-achieve career.
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