Beijing 2008, Shawn Johnson's Gold BB Routine, Event Finals

Shawn Johnson's gold balance beam routine, Event Finals, Beijing 2008.

[@kathyd2595]

I really like how the Chinese gymnastics and coaches were there to give Shawn hugs. I have never noticed that before. I love the good sportsmanship!☮❤

[@Jen-lc5yc]

Yes. The Chinese national team back then trained part time at her gym in De Moines IA. They all seemed so nice to eachother.

[@rg1whiteywins598]

The Chinese really want to find their place in the world of Gymnastics. They are coming up. Their girls work hard.

[@nightflyer3242]

Shawn was the most popular foreign gymnast amongst Chinese fans during the 2008 Games due to her coach, her humbleness towards the hosts, and also her bubbly personality.

[@thegreenskittle]

@@nightflyer3242 Yeah! I think Nastia always looked more intimidating. In their video where they rewatched the Olympics, they talked about how scary Nastia's RBF was haha. Shawn definitely has a warmer vibe and you just wanna like her.

[@colecooper5836]

Its disappointing that sports are no longer a sanctuary free of politics.

[@danielatrindade5602]

This routine could still win gold today, easily. Shawn really had such a big impact in gymnastics and it’s crazy how it’s overlooked. And funny how she was outcasted as the muscly gymnast and now look at gymnasts today. Shawn really paved the way!

[@jenniferspears7074]

Kim Zmeskal, Brandy Johnson, and Kerri Strug were also powerhouse gymnasts that popularized the style. Daniela Silivas, Lavinia Milosovic, and Mary Lou Retton can’t be forgotten❤❤❤.

[@Saleigh]

She is gorgeous and a fit gymnast

[@Saleigh]

Kim zameskal was my fav growing up

[@Ian_Andre]

One of the most impressive routines on any apparatus ever.

[@gladysgreen2]

Totally agree! Ahead of her time really

[@trudisify]

I just love the sound when she leaps on beam

[@kylenasseri4327]

Shawn Johnson will always be remembered

[@dilbertdoe601]

The landing makes the sound.

[@yahoo12345jojo]

0:10 0:17 0:25 0:33 0:46 0:54 0:59 1:13 1:31

[@Beth-1010]

She punches the beam soooo hard

[@teah507]

Yes! She is so solid and confident!

[@ericschmid3985]

She’s done a video about this on her channel but she said that at that moment she’d done like 8 full practice sets in the warm up gym before competing that routine. Chow had her do them to make her brain turn off, she said. It’s insane to think that muscle memory won her an Olympic gold medal

[@stanley052380]

Eric Schmid thats how elite athletes were trained. You cant second guess a tiny bit in any of your elements, you need to attack each elements in a precise manner like a robot it should be done automatically specially during an Olympic event.

[@philiplieu3889]

I think she said she basically almost kind of blacked out and did it from muscle memory as you said. Pretty awesome

[@JennaLeigh]

@maseratic boychik you do realize you completely, baselessly attacked a completely different person, right? That wasn't the first person you needlessly attacked- that was someone else. Idk why you're so bitter and miserable that you have to bully strangers in the internet, but i hope things get better for you.

[@AndromedaAiken]

Liu Xuan apparently did the same thing before her 2000 BB EF routine. It was totally muscle memory at work. She had said she just wasn't thinking by then.

[@j0j0_369]

@Pia Tshering It's like watching someone unravel smh. Prayers sent to this person.

[@gailrothschild1]

And not a wolf turn in sight! Never get tired of watching this…

[@renesotelo8295]

Hello dear how are you doing 🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@karlitoswwe]

@@renesotelo8295oh i’m doing good

[@donovanrobinson1843]

You can tell a gymnast that has been trained by chow their beam is difficult and has solid tumbling the full twist is impressive her and gabbys routines are chow’s genius

[@HamzooPineda]

She is still the best in BB ever. This routine can still win her Gold today.

[@TheJakecakes]

Agree

[@1ACL]

I was wondering about that. Sure looked like she could win today! But what do I know?

[@temidawodu]

She would have to slightly ammend this routine though because of how the code of points has changed so much since 2008.

[@meganbarber3599]

She definitely looked better here than the gymnasts in Tokyo.

[@ibethtoapanta1646]

@@temidawodu porqué? No sé si tiene elementos que ya no se pueden usar ahora? Porque realmente he visto tantas competiciones pero ninguna rutina supera esta, ni las actuales. La gimnasia en Beijing qué nivel, tuvo de las puntuaciones más altas que he visto en juegos olímpicos superior a 16.000 no solo en una gimnasta sino en varias.

[@vivienvn]

The thing I like the most about Shawn is she always smiled when she competed like she actually enjoyed what she was doing. Other gymnasts looked very tense.

[@nondescriptbeing5944]

I think it comes down to personality it is high pressure after all, so some will look serious/focused...like Nastia's RBF lol

[@dazem8]

nastia always looked pissed and kinda gave off a snobby vibe imo. almost as if she thought she was the best bc of her family lineage.

[@nondescriptbeing5944]

@@dazem8 her personality is wholly unlikeable haha. but admittedly I kind of like her gymnastics. sometimes.

[@hannlower]

@@dazem8 she always looked like she didn’t really want to be there

[@elizabeth5985]

Would you expect an archer to be smiling? or a high jumper? Or a sprinter? They're young, but they are fierce competitors and fierce, strong athletes who require intense focus. If they don't focus, they land on their heads and break their necks. Women and girls don't need to smile all the time. They are not there for other's entertainment.

[@trendymaths2467]

Shawn looked so tiny in this. To think she has a small baby now!

[@easytoslip]

large baby lol Drew's a big mushy marshmallow baby ♥

[@trendymaths2467]

easytoslip ha ha yes. 😆

[@trendymaths2467]

Star Tetrahedron yes me too but I hope she doesn’t get pressured to do it just because her mother was so successful at it.

[@trendymaths2467]

Star Tetrahedron yeah for sure! Regardless of what she chooses, she’s going places. With that adorable face how could she not? 😊💜

[@maryli2049]

Shut up

[@trblcleft]

I think Shawn Johnson had the biggest influence on Simone Biles beam style. They are not identical but at their best they share some of the same strengths and challenges in terms of artistry. What I appreciate about Shawn is they way she makes it seem like she is in floor, not a flinch.

[@emilykelley4597]

Yes they are both very solid I noticed that too

[@punkrockstar]

Shawn is way better on beam.

[@TheMajesticice01]

@@punkrockstar she was much more consistent!

[@ojk46]

@@TheMajesticice01 in 2008 yes. But look at her in the 2007 season…

[@SamanthaD89]

I agree both are small but very powerful as well

[@multixloves3072]

It’s kinda sad that Shawn doesn’t remember doing this routine. She was so exhausted it was all just muscle memory at this point.

[@littlesinga]

She also said she had a headache and stomachache that day.

[@G3minee]

I blacked out at my first kendo competition, shit myself and threw up before my match. It was a tiny arena and only a couple hundred people. IMAGINE THE OLYMPICS. Televised and judged by the masses. I’d die

[@allisonscanlan4144]

Exactly

[@meganbarber3599]

She doesn't? Wow. How sad.

[@Glenduhhhh]

Honestly that’s good y’all who don’t know gymnastics always say random stuff

[@melissalara523]

Ive seen a lot of beam routines and I havent seen a gymnast work the BB better than Shawn. She’s incredible

[@pam0626]

I love this routine. There was nothing superfluous, no distracting arm movements. Everything clean and precise.

[@paigeanne1325]

This is still the best balance beam routine I’ve ever seen period.

[@1teamski]

She deserves every bit of happiness that comes her way on life..

[@tomillakockingbird1754]

No different from any other human being that I know of.

[@1teamski]

@@tomillakockingbird1754 Jeffrey Dahmer included I assume?

[@M3rchantofD34th]

@@1teamski or for a closer to home example, Larry Nassar

[@maia9056]

Team Ski Ffs who said Dhamer? All @ToMilla Kockingbird said was, what makes her different from anyone else.

[@realbobduncan]

@@maia9056 nobody said anything made her different, but are we not allowed to praise and appreciate one specific person when they do something awesome?

[@geekchick4859]

I love how she so warmly greets the Chinese team as well! So Shawn.

[@danceblues1713]

Love the sound of her sticking every tumbling element, even the leaps and turns were great. Thank you for posting this. 💝

[@mariella2884]

That full twist never fails to make me hold my breath. It’s stunning.

[@thegreenskittle]

1:10 - my favorite part of her routine, even more than her opening tumbling series. Seeing her control of it is just amazing. Elfi has always said that this move reflects whether a gymnast is nervous or confident, so seeing Shawn do it so perfectly really shows that she was feeling centered despite the crazy amount of pressure she was under.

[@hugodaniel8975]

True. They say it's the easiest compulsory element on beam but many finalists lose balance doing it. Sorry for my english

[@micheledowning1199]

My favorite too! The control there is just unreal. I think it was the best performed element of the entire routine.

[@trinalittlefield6294]

She stays on pointe after she finishes the turn even. It's one of my favorite elements too she does it so well.

[@natiwati7878]

I love how strong yet elegant she looks on beam, and with such grace as well, and the fact that everything she does is so smooth just makes the routine 10x better

[@saragrant9749]

Thank you!! So many people complain that she wasn’t elegant, but this was elegance at its finest. Not a waver, unnecessary and silly looking arm waving or anything- just calm and collected element presentation.

[@runninggirl2765]

I love how Shawn and her coach smile and talk and laugh. It's what it's all about: Enjoyment and doing your best!

[@lisajoye5721]

One of the best beam routines ever. Extraordinary execution and excellent delivery.

[@beamonkieable]

Amazing. 12 years later and I still love to watch this incredible routine ♥️

[@renesotelo8295]

Hello dear how are you doing 🌷🌷

[@rachiejw]

I could watch this 4 million times over this is one of the best beam routines I’ve ever seen

[@ShelleyFayles]

Same!

[@JRZGRL55]

Shawn Johnson & Alexandra Raisman are my absolute favorite gymnasts. Love them both so much!

[@Handle-cy2hb]

Me too!! Humble sweethearts who worked their butts off for their team.

[@foroneness8190]

The smile, joy and sheer admiration of her coach is so cute. I've lost count of how many times I've watched this routine. Both her and nastia are amazing gymnasts.

[@venanciopaixao]

The golden medal was extremely deserved … very acrobatic focused and on point 🔥

[@katieelizabeth3083]

I could watch that routine every day, shes just a cutie pie and so confident and solid! Now she's married and a mama...just love her!!

[@mikeroland1919]

Hello katie?

[@ursulakruger5038]

One of my favorite gymnast. Loved that smile, she was amazing.

[@MrMartinportnoy]

I love the way her competitors and their coaches congratulate her. If you watch old stuff from the 70s you can see the Soviets and Romanians in the same situation, just plain ignoring one another...

[@MelissaBrogan_asciident]

It was the Chinese team congratulating her. They were emotionally invested in Shawn because of Chow. She's mentioned it a little on her channel.

[@Jen-lc5yc]

@@MelissaBrogan_asciident I believe the Chinese national team also trains sometimes in Chow's gym. I heard it mentioned in some other broadcast

[@moncsa80]

I think there may have been some history too in those time... as even though Romania was in the eastern block they did not really appreciate the Soviets (no one really did). This obviously came out in sports too where they were competitors, especially in team sports....:)

[@admetric]

They did not speak a common language and were not really allowed to talk or do much. Solo as have an interview recently and said as much. It was a different world.

[@nightflyer3242]

@@MelissaBrogan_asciident Shawn was also the most popular foreign gymnast during the games. The Chinese loved her.

[@emilyvickery8081]

One of my favourite beam routines to watch! Thoroughly enjoyable. Not rushed and no arms constantly waving about. Lots of tricks, confident.

[@homespunhomefragrance5659]

Love her reaction to the score. So happy she stayed on top. She deserved to be an Olympic gold medalist and she got it! ❤️

[@thegreenskittle]

I'm so happy she got a gold. She said she was prepared to get a silver b/c she kept getting them (team, AA, floor), but she's so good at this event, and that triple tumble is like her signature move and is just so fun to watch! The craziest thing is she was a FT high school student and trained only 26h/week (65% of Nastia's 40hr).

[@aprilz2250]

That full twist on the beam is amazing.

[@dannydanielsnyc]

I felt that her chest was down too low . But amazing still

[@SG-mw1ey]

Gutsu did this in 1990 and a more difficult mount and dismount

[@davidlear7927]

Still the best beam routine I've ever seen.

[@fatmanvidz]

Met her and her husband last week. AWESOME people!!!

[@johnfinlon4360]

What a beautiful routine on the beam. Shawn Johnson demonstrates some of the trickiest tricks on the balance beam. Wow.

[@auggiedoggiesmommy1734]

This kid had SO much pressure on her. The publicity before he olympics was insane. She was just so cute and it was all about how she was going to win every gold there was to win.

[@donaldholderdoc2910]

Rewatching this young "child" it's hard to wrap my head around the fact that she's married and very, very soon will be the mother of two little ones of her own.

[@oscarpedroso9958]

Truly one of the best beam routines in history I just always seem to come back to this routine and watch it to ease my mind. It's perfection in motion.

[@bergercookie]

Absolute queen 👑 wow her confidence is so powerful. Watch how much hands free tumbling she does with ease like she’s flying and has complete control on that beam. So impressive at 16 years old. Shawn is an icon 💖

[@danielledraper3550]

Does this make anyone else emotional !! She killed this

[@saragrant9749]

Along with Sanne Wevers in 2016, one of my all time favorite beam routines- both were done with so much seeming casualness and calm, not a waver.

[@mikej3187]

Well deserved Shawn...your beam routine is fierce .

[@JRKLL]

To me, this is the best beam routine ever! Perfect👏👏👋👋👋

[@joyams]

ive watched this routine like 25 times and still loving it

[@beckykent6674]

Wow these beam routines are so much better than the ones now, even with Simone. I love her but this routine is so much harder and was perfect!!

[@ayakotami3318]

The sound of her landing on the beam. Oddly satisfying actually. The power of her feet landing on the beam. This is actually my favorite routine in Woman's Gymnastics along with the Uneven Bars.

[@andredicenna]

The most complex, difficult and nailed beam routine in history! Score: 16.225, even Simone Biles would be in second place 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@samperez1727]

You can't compare scores between them. Shawn Johnson got to count 10 skills in her difficulty score vs 8 for Biles because of rule changes. Also, execution scores have significantly tightened since 2008; it would be unthinkable to reach a 9.0+ in execution with modern era standards.

[@leykimayri]

@@samperez1727With today’s standards this routine would be slaughtered in artistry deductions. Plus everything else, she wouldn’t get more than 7.0 in execution, 7.5 in judges were feeling really giving that day…..

[@tori6741]

I've watched this many times and it kills me every time, so does the Gold medal smile. 🤸‍♀️💖

[@carlacaires6477]

That was a beautiful exercise. And it was also beautiful to see Shawn Johnson and the Chinese gymnasts greet each other at the end...

[@frannaadams9476]

This young lady was a beast 💪 on beam. I haven't seen a routine this good.

[@Lina_al_j]

ive seen this so many times and im sure I will watch it again! one of my all time favorites

[@mikeroland1919]

Hello Linda?

[@sweetsuite498]

This was such a nice event. All that genuine sportsmanship is great to see in competition. Chinese and American competitors looking happy to be there and supporting each other. Amazing!

[@ceecee9209]

Gorgeous! Love this performance MORE each time I watch it!!!

[@brandi5803]

Incredible how she stuck all of those two footed landings. She nailed it!

[@brandi5803]

Those are tough and I love the solid sound they make when she lands them!

[@christopherdiscenza4937]

I marvel at the unfussiness of this routine. Most other gymnasts do annoying hand and leg gestures while Shawn just jumps on and racks up the points!!

[@stomachfat]

Thank you for validating me

[@stomachfat]

And invalidating the girl I'm seeing who is a former gymnast < 3

[@adde9506]

As hokey as the dance moves are, they're usually a requirement.

[@waspian]

But this routine is so ugly to watch.

[@ShelleyFayles]

@@waspian it's AMAYZING to watch!

[@TheWendolGuild]

in case you were wondering this is what a hero looks like...

[@r.m.2737]

Almost the Perfect beam routine. I think this will be always in the memories of gymnastics lovers.

[@punkrockstar]

Way better than the gymnast of recent years. 2008 marks the point when gymnastics started declining. 91-08 was incredible.

[@kye.7cf]

It’s been more than 10 yrs since I first watched this but it’s still funny to me how Shawn and Chow give off the same warm and friendly vibe while Nastia and her dad give off the same serious and focused vibe😂

[@tatilalima2874]

Eu amo a conexao dos dois

[@ahavens2463]

Shawn is the beam queen.

[@filipinoarchmage5793]

Who came here after her Gold Medal Unboxing video? I have so much respect for her after she said that she was sick just before she competed for the Beam Final and she still secured her gold. Amazing woman.

[@LelandTilden]

Amazing. That leap into the layout series is killer

[@michaelhart7282]

the Flipside I mean yeah The landings were great but Shawn is basically on her head during the layout stepout

[@LelandTilden]

Michael Hart I’m okay with that haha - although just as an aside, give me Catalina ponor on beam all day 🔥🔥🔥

[@michaelhart7282]

the Flipside yeah she is an iconic beam queen for generations to come

[@tomillakockingbird1754]

I don't think I'll ever be able to understand how these young women could/can launch themselves into the air--with different positions, even--and land as solidly on a four-inch beam of wood as solidly as if they were doing it on the floor.

[@joho9815]

I think that's the best beam routine I've ever seen.

[@ninasnyman]

I still love this routine. So talented!

[@valerieh5400]

Total badass. I love seeing these old clips of her come up on my KZbin.

[@JustMe-cr6rd]

Poetry in motion and she's still going strong, lovely family and the fun competitions with her husband are fun to watch.

[@ninayang9097]

She’s soooooooo freaking good. Amazing slips and stunts

[@jessicawinkler7537]

Her skill is just incredible.

[@lilysgram5886]

Always liked her, still do.

[@cindyvining7866]

I forgot how good she was. Amazing.

[@mikeroland1919]

Hello Cindy?

[@semievilsquirrel]

Kind of nice to go back and see a graceful beam routine. I miss the variety we used to see, too....

[@chrisbordoni8276]

Shawn Johnson is my all time favorite gymnast! I love watching The East Fam videos. Shawn & Andrew are an awesome couple & Drew is adorable!💕

[@dannymorgan7252]

She was on one with this routine. She said she completely blacked out mentally while doing this

[@my_cozylife.]

and now she just gave birth and has 2 kids❤️

[@Ash_xoxo]

Ikr. To crazy!

[@armygirl85fuckhitler74]

And all the sexual abuse these girls had to go through!!!! It's powerful watching them all over again

[@jhaysonryanncorpuz817]

This is the best routine of all time.

[@augustalavenderblue7353]

watching her and nastia lukin i'm like wow beams were so solid in 2008, i feel like this year all the girls were putting in super difficult elements and then wobbling or not landing them. simone biles was the only person to be very solid the whole time on beam, and i know it was a less difficult routine but it was kind of nicer to see...

[@Pagliaccimr1]

Such a difficult routine! So much power and precision. Unequaled to this day. Love watching it!

[@geebrewer8186]

I hate to say it, but I have been watching some of the current crop of gymnasts at the world title events, and I WISH there was one that was as good as Shawn Johnson ❤

[@lucasherissontrindade9888]

I came of the future to say: I never watched a routine like this yet! Thanks Shawn You were the greatest ever!

[@Ee-pg4nb]

Who is watching this in 2022 and she is STILL the best on Beam EVER! No one can compare (except Simone of course)

[@CandyAnnaPlayz]

Meeeeee

[@Turtlegirl4]

This is my favorite beam routine.

[@nancywood9531]

That's our girl from Iowa....whole state was proud of her. 🎖🎖🎖

[@honeygraham01]

One of the best gymnasts of all time!

[@elizabeth5985]

I bet she could win a medal with that routine in 2021. A lot of stuff has changed so much, but the beam is so hard, there are only so many things you can do on it and it is so easy to fall off. I bet she could medal with that routine right now. (I mean if you took her routine from then and put it now; I don't think Shawn could set her baby down and get up and do that routine and win a medal right now).

[@CRAFT7445]

I have a hard time walking on uneven sidewalks.

[@icantgetbacktomymain7241]

Oh my gosh the fact the crowd was saying come on come on! She did a great job!

[@missysample4486]

She is just so awesome! She has grown into a remarkable young woman, wife and mother as well. It seems that everything she touches turns to gold!!!🤗

[@thesportsguy3609]

Best beam routine I've ever seen.

[@rachels2900]

I am addicted to the Olympics. Gymnastics is my favorite. She was beautiful. When she won I was so happy. My mom and I watched this together.

[@mikeroland1919]

Hello?

[@renesotelo8295]

Hello dear how are you doing 🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@mikeroland1919]

@@renesotelo8295 how are you ?

[@renesotelo8295]

@@mikeroland1919 am good what about you

[@mikeroland1919]

@@renesotelo8295 am fine thanks dear , what country are you from ?

[@dana4751]

I'm from gymnastics in her day.the 1990 earlier 2000s. A while ago. what a bundle of goodness. Yeah, she's good😎. .

[@donaldholderdoc2910]

What a way to end her Olympics. Gold medal on the Balance Beam with 16.225. Well deserved with a Difficulty of 7.0.

[@gladysgreen2]

It’s like the commenters are oblivious to how freaking amazing this routine was

[@MrLevinej]

She's the best performer I've ever seen

[@karenlm9062]

What I love about Shawn is her sportsmanship. She smiles and hugs the other competitors with respect. I remember watching Mckayla after she finished vault and how she let her disappointment sour her interaction with everyone. How can a person be THAT upset when you are at the Olympics and ranked 2nd best in the world? I know its everyone's dream for gold, but realistically one can only hope to qualify and maybe make the podium.

[@ADEAL918]

Karen Lm she was upset with herself more than anything else since she made what was, for her, a stupid mistake and was supposed to win easily otherwise. But most of the U.S. gymnasts, from what I've seen, are pretty good with what you're talking about with Shawn. My favorite scene was from the all-around in 2016 when Simone Biles and Aly Raisman, who were obviously going 1-2, were arm-in-arm in a huge hug as the scores came up--wouldn't let go of each other.

[@karthikviswanathan2858]

ADEAL918 Mckyla was upset with herself, but she didn’t have to show her anger by ignoring Paseka!

[@shannoncain8377]

Karen I agree with what you are saying but to be at this level I don’t think they can have the mindset of ‘realistically I can only hope for the podium’ because if they felt that they wouldn’t be there. Every competitor (accept maybe a few outliers) have to have the mentality of I want to be the absolute best to get to the top level, it’s talked about again and again the winning mentality. There are examples in sports like in ice dance where 1 and 2 was settled, everyone knew that two specific teams were going to get 1 and 2, but there was a team who came fourth who talked about their mentality and they were still going for gold, they wanted gold even though they weren’t going to get it. So while some athletes can be lovely in their interactions even when they don’t win and should be celebrated for it, I think everyone needs to understand what these athletes have put into their sport. Most of the time they don’t have a life outside of it, so when they fall short of gold they feel like they lost, even if they got silver because that wasn’t their goal (apologies for the essay)

[@Appaddict01]

Karen Lm I’m 100 percent fine with McKayla’s reaction. She was unbeatable without a fall. Not many gymnast can say that in an event final. It be like Simone getting silver in AA.

[@shannoncain8377]

Appaddict01 omg could you imagine Simone getting silver?!?? And yeah I agree, but I still think we should celebrate athletes when they don’t let their disappointment stop them from congratulating someone else. Like the video of the 100m hurdles in London when sally Pearson won, Dawn Harper who was trying to defend her title from Beijing and she lost by .2 of a second straight away, without blinking, without official confirmation that she got second was so happy for Pearson and was already congratulating her. And I know the other American who came in third was doing the same. That race just felt like an amazing moment of sportmanship

[@miguelQR]

2020 with Coronavirus and still feels the same emotion.

[@steveharris1740]

I am in awe anytime so watch a beam routine. How did she do that back flip with a twist and land back on the beam. It just doesn’t even make sense...just amazing concentration, power, and body control.

[@suzanasoares6222]

Que domínio ela tinha na trave! Excelente ginasta! Uma das melhores que já vi!

[@viniciusreis3313]

Ela não faz o movimento obrigatório pé na cabeça!!!

[@mylleroliveira4369]

@@viniciusreis3313 naquela epoca nem era obrigatorio. e se fosse concerteza ela faria algum movimento, nao seja por isso

[@viniciusreis3313]

@@mylleroliveira4369 eu sei disso sempre reconheci a fera que foi a shawn Johnson