Fans cross fingers for fellow Iowan Shawn Johnson

By Carla Keppler
The Gazette

Iowans rooted for Shawn Johnson when the West Des Moines gymnast captured Olympic gold in Beijing. And they’ll be rooting tonight as she reaches for another shiny prize – the mirror ball trophy.

Johnson will face off against two other “Dancing With the Stars” contestants in the final showdown of the season.

On Tuesday night, the champion will be announced on the results show.

Both shows begin at 7 p.m. on ABC-TV.

Fan support is crucial. The winner will be determined by a formula that factors in judges’ scores and viewer votes.

Johnson captured hearts across the world while earning one gold and three silver medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Her fan base, which is especially strong in her home state, followed as she joined “Dancing With the Stars” this year.

At 17, she is the youngest contestant in the show’s eight seasons.

See video of Shawn and read more about her in our Claim to Fame blog. 

“She has a lot of personality, and you can tell that she cares a lot about what she’s doing,” said Molly Djuric, 22, of Iowa City. “She represents the state very well, and she’s a great role model.”

While living in Los Angeles, where the show is based, Johnson maintains as normal a lifestyle as possible.

The teen has been taking online classes to stay on track academically. She plans to return to Valley High School in West Des Moines for her senior year.

Fans are impressed by the talent she brings to the dance floor.

“She’s got a maturity about her. She doesn’t even look or act 17,” said Twyla Larsen, 60, of Oelwein. “It amazes me in a week’s time what they can learn and what they do. I’m tickled she’s in the top three.”

Rumblings about “skimpy” dance outfits and Johnson’s youth have sprung up online, but to many, there’s no cause for alarm.

“She uses good judgment, and it’s just a part of the sport,” Djuric said.

Larsen agreed, adding that many prom dresses she sees nowadays are cut lower and are more revealing than what the dancers wear.

“It’s just the times,” she said. “It doesn’t bother me at all.”

While Larsen and Djuric, who watch the show regularly, are pulling for Johnson, it is anyone’s game, they say.

“I think it’s going to be really close because they are all really talented,” Djuric said.

But like other Iowans tonight, she’ll be crossing her fingers for Johnson.

2009 Gazette Communications