🤸🏽‍♀️ SHAWN JOHNSON previews Team USA's GYMNASTICS PROSPECTS for the 2024 Olympics | Yahoo Sports

Yahoo Sports' Caroline Fenton and Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson discuss Team USA's Olympic prospects in women's gymnastics, highlighting potential breakout stars and key international contenders to watch.
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#shawnjohnson #teamusa #olympicgymnastics #olympics2024

[@janetmckenzie146]

It's very satisfying that 4 Tokyo Olympians can now go to Paris and have the full Olympic experience. The empty stands and the isolation from all other teams must have been strange, especially since the Olympics seems to be a very social experience.

[@minhquanguyen]

@larrymant1484 I'm sorry you're going to have a subpar time. I suspect most everyone else will enjoy themselves tremendously. ​

[@minhquanguyen]

@@larrymant1484 Don't worry about me; I'm good without them. You can always watch the BRICS games if you miss them so much. They're doing great!

[@charledarl]

@@larrymant1484cry about it 😂😂😂

[@GloriaKabahuma]

@@larrymant1484which politics lol no one told Russia to break rules

[@GloriaKabahuma]

@@larrymant1484 it supported Russia but Belarus athletes have qualified to compete coz they are neutral athletes both in mag,Rythmic n trampoline they qualified through World Cup I don’t think they are good in artistic gymnastics

[@justacellist3989]

THIS is how you speak about other athletes after your retirement, Mykayla!

[@scottfoundit]

Well said Shawn. “They have nothing to prove to us, It’s for them.”

[@JRyan-dz4fd]

Why broadcast it then ? It's for all of us, in different perspective. Direct & indirect. The way Shawn said it make her out to be even more of a diva that looks down on those not in her level. They need to focus on the discipline, execution, & performing the best as they are public figures and have chosen to be in the public domain. Spectators want different things, it's a preference to consume media and we'll all be wanting to see certain results. This is elite competition among the best in the world it's not just a mere pick up game or catch-up meet. If they try to be too loosey goosey China or others will swiftly pass them by .. so many other olympic hopefuls wanted to be there performing ... they need to take it serious enough and respect that.

[@jessicatucker8464]

@@JRyan-dz4fd hard disagree. if you aren’t doing it for yourself first it’s disingenuous and sets you up to disappoint other’s expectations. You can’t make everyone happy but you can do it because you love it and want to reach your own goals. This is a healthier way to approach it and likely encouraged by her own therapist

[@JRyan-dz4fd]

​@@jessicatucker8464They are already "doing it" for the expectations of the code and subjective critique of the judges. If they merely do it for themselves then why do they care for endorsements and the public domain ? I did not mean to convey they are doing it only for others, but they are in the public eye and accept compensation for that through endorsements and public adulation and with that comes good and bad. It's impractical to be in a bubble and yet sincerely authentic to you and what you are projecting by your performances unless it's science fiction. 😛 This is reality, it is sport. A therapist is advice but can't ultimately perform their passion which is a shared passion with those spectating including their family and friends. Nobody succeeds or fails unto themselves alone except the most out of touch vain narcissist. Which since the departure of amateurism I guess has only festered to the ego of the contemporary athlete.

[@seventhdayissabbath8747]

It is the Olympics which is NOT a venue for personal gain but a venue to represent the United States of America. I love Shawn but disagree with the statement that it's for them... No, it's for our country.

[@JRyan-dz4fd]

@@seventhdayissabbath8747 Increasingly since amateurism was made obsolete as a requirement decades ago corporate political interests have riddled the concept of the great olympic games. Personal endorsements for profit from the pro athletes and corporate collaboration has made it difficult for governing bodies like the IOC to really regulate the integrity of the games... such as with the Chinese doping scandal in contrast to how things were handled with the Russians in figure skating. It should be about competition, teamwork, and national regalia but it's not ... why breakdancing but no cricket ? Boxing and Wrestling but no MMA ? Politics

[@sandrap6308]

Shawn is full of class.

[@jennypepster1462]

Fenton kept referring to them as "repeat offenders", Shawn just replied with "veterans". Smart girl (Shawn), the host couldn't get it, though.

[@markjlabella8869]

Exactly. I was offended by that term. There’s a negative connotation to it. Please get a new host, YAHOO.

[@suzyeide3907]

It made no sense using that term. So weird! Maybe she meant to say "contenders"? That would make sense. Maybe she thought that is what she was saying?

[@kevingravley4889]

I adore Shawn Johnson East…she’s been a solid favorite of mine for a long time! I respect her opinion and believe this Olympics will be amazing to witness!!

[@MegaVbnv]

She really feels like Gymnastics sweetheart ❤️❤️ I’ll always love her too haha

[@CivilityRules2024]

I think that referring to Simone and the others as “repeat offenders” is pejorative. I think Shawn’s response was spot on. These women have nothing to prove to us. They are stars, no matter what the outcome.

[@justloributler]

Maybe she misspoke.

[@heatherwicker9990]

Yes they are. Forever. So happy for the ones who made it and so sad for those who did not.

[@brynneholt1990]

I guess, but there’s no context in which them coming back is a negative thing, so I would take it as tongue in cheek. Heck, maybe their team name should be the Recidivist 5! Except that would exclude Ms. Rivera, so maybe not.

[@dawggirl]

It was poor terminology and a bad descriptor, I agree.

[@DJcyberslash]

"repeat offenders" seriously? They're athlete's not criminals. C'mon

[@user-lo8tg2hc3u]

The fact that the US can even contend after 5 gymnasts succumbing to injury ( McClain, Douglas, DiCello, Blakely and Jones) is amazing. The last three were probables. I'm the international judges will really like Hezly Rivera-and she is young.

[@albarjas8360]

Why wouldn't they? The US is the world largest factory of artistic gymnasts...

[@carrietremble]

PLEASE. Let's not even PRETEND that Douglas was ANY kind of contender for this team! In all reality, neither was McClain, who was out injured for 2 years prior to getting injured again. Jones absolutely would have been on the team. I don't think both Blakely AND DiCello would have been on the team, but it is a near lock that one of them would have. Without the injuries, Rivera is not on the team and likely neither is Chiles. Biles, Lee, and Carey (or Roberson) were likely to be on the team regardless of injuries.

[@KevaFlores]

@@carrietremble100%

[@acgensler27]

@@carrietremble Bit of correction - though she took time away from elite, Konnor competed quite successfully all season at LSU, becoming a 3 event All American and a key contributor to LSU's first ever national title. She maintained elite training all along, and given reports of warm ups and podium training for Classics, she had all her elite difficulty back, with better form/ execution on UB than previous, and without the injury was looking at hitting 55-56+ AA even w/ some watered down elements. Yes it's all speculation, but had she not been injured McClain was absolutely a legit contender for this squad.

[@ArtByDesign80]

4:32 There are PLENTY of better terms than repeat “offenders”.

[@kerryperryman3025]

Yeah that was weird

[@fohponomalama5065]

The Women’s Gymnastic competition in Paris will be fierce. Andrade from Brazil, the girls from China and the American squad will produce some of the most dramatic sports stories at this year’s Paris Olympics. Can’t wait!

[@domicancia]

Can you change from repeat offenders to returning olympians?

[@amandastumpff5252]

Or veterans? It makes them sound like criminals lol

[@shutupsebas]

I was like who’s a criminal? 💀

[@tegan.000]

I actually had to go back to rehear it again to make sure I heard her right. lol

[@alee1122334455]

Offenders def has a negative connotation

[@louellenstevens501]

Shawn got dragged when she wanted to continue training after her first Olympic Games. I think she is talking about how the officials think. I think that attitude is changing

[@bunnykos9518]

It's great seeing shawn!!!!

[@TuMadre6995]

she is soooo lovely! so cool to see how positive and truly happy for them she is. it would be understandable if she had some bitterness about the toxicity of usa gymnastics when she was competing, so it's extra amazing to hear how positive she is about all of the changes and what it means for the current generation of gymnasts :)

[@brynneholt1990]

I just wrote something very similar. You’re reading my mind!

[@creating1_c1999]

I think the same when it comes to the new class from 202ONE who are NCAA eligible

[@twilobaby6118]

This most mentally mature team ever! If they all focus on their zen like qualities and supportI've chemistry with one another, they will achieve redemption and glory in these upcoming Olympic games.

[@KMAbadie]

Idk why but I was smiling the entire interview. I loved this.

[@brynneholt1990]

Because Shawn is knowledgeable, experienced, and pleasant. She looks well, and she looks genuinely happy for the improvement in culture, moving away from the toxicity.

[@pammy3312]

It’s the changes to the NCAA rules that allowed these women to stay in the sport and stay fit, while perfecting their form and mental toughness.

[@creating1_c1999]

...great coaching too

[@stephaniesmith1086]

I think that rhe girls doing NCAA actually is helping them. They compete more, the points are about clean skills not hardest and messy. The girls gained consistency and overall seemed to have fun which kept the love of gymnastics alive in them.

[@AriaKSongPrincess]

I remember all the fanfare every time Michael Phelps and his "veterans" made the Olympic team multiple times. It was a celebration and people were glad they were back. It's time to see this in gymnastics as well. Also, those injuries might have been divine intervention. It might be destiny for the returning contenders to be there. Like they are supposed to be in Paris. It's awesome that this team is history making in that regard.

[@daygraysea]

This was such a good interview! Excellent Q+A

[@Brightestlightt]

She’s not aging a bit 😊

[@chrissyjoy08]

💖 Great questions and great answers.

[@dianayu406]

Shawn Johnson talking about Hezly Rivera is so funny because Hezly was 2 months old when Shawn won her gold and silver medals at the 2008 olympics. She's baby. It's also crazy to think that 16 year olds who compete in 2028 will have been babies when the fierce five won their team gold in 2012.

[@TammyCarney-kg2bt]

Omg! You are such an amazing person and representation for this sport. Thank you!

[@teresahouston2577]

Love this!

[@danielmyles4509]

I’m excited. The Tokyo team is getting their real OLYMPIC experience this time. Full capacity games

[@kerryperryman3025]

Totally agree 😊

[@sallyhudson7196]

Shawn will always be my favorite gymnast!

[@MandiMelons_]

The way Shawn said literally everything I thinking 😅❤

[@shutupsebas]

Love her sm ❤️

[@ShelleeGraham]

I’m delighted to see and hear SHAWN JOHNSON speak about this new 2024 Olympic women’s gymnastics team. ❤ 🤸‍♀️👏

[@DoreenBwalya-uc8ve]

I think its after Gabby and Ally made an impact making back to back Olympics it became more realistic that one can go one more time

[@kerrigibson3208]

I love Shawn! She’s amazing !!

[@larihileman2806]

Caroline Fenton, you need to apologize for calling the veteran gymnasts “repeat offenders “ was extremely offensive, inappropriate and rude.

[@patsk8872]

The world needs to apologize to me for losing all sense of humor. Besides, the terminally offended have proven time and again, forgiveness is never granted and apologizing just makes it worse.

[@adarshminj2543]

you are so weak

[@kerryperryman3025]

Apology not needed, just dumb choice of words.

[@cunyc1]

Agree w/Shawn - U.S. are still gold medal favorites, but the competition is closer. China is prob the #1 team on bars & beam. It's just that without Shilese & Skye, the point spread on those events is a bit bigger. That said, China's advantage on bars & beam shouldn't be as much as the U.S.'s advantage on vault & floor. Esp if Suni breaks out the new skill on bars that would be named after her if she does it successfully. I also think Jade could replace the double back on her last floor tumbling pass with a full-in....

[@heatherwicker9990]

China has the talent for sure they always do…however…they choke under the pressure a lot. Sad but true. I’m holding out to see how prelims go.

[@stephaniesmith1086]

It's true, but they do have issues in vault with lack of power, so they don't score as high. There is also England, Brazil and Canada up there too challenging for the rest of the medals in team events

[@louellenstevens501]

I love Shawn !! I am so happy for ladies that made the team. Skye Blakley was my favorite. I was heart broken for her.

[@danceballetacro]

"repeat offenders" not a good word choice- they are athletes not perpetrators of a crime- call them veterans

[@lisamesserli7501]

LEGEND SHAWN JOHNSON!!!!!!

[@tammywilson985]

I feel so bad for Kayla DiCello and Shilese Jones. They both would've been on the team and were taken out with injuries. Simone is the only one left from the 2023 World Championship team - so sad. Looking forward to what this team and do.

[@AllaboutTheCalm478]

“Repeat offenders” is crazy why would she continue to use that term is has such a negative connotation!

[@hannahmckee5592]

Not me being immediately distracted by the NEEDTOBREATHE “CAVES” vinyl in Shawn’s background. 👀 lol

[@juliesmith5620]

The American team members for the most part have NCAA experience…. Lots of it! This gives them the “nerves” advantage during competition. Suní, Jade, Jordan are all NCAA competitors as well as Olympians. Our collegiate system is highly supportive of polishing competitors.

[@boskoglund]

I can follow you in Paris and enjoy of your team.🥰😍

[@anjilala]

Hmm There are some very polished gymnasts from other countries. It will be a contest, not just a given

[@reneepeters3045]

Did anyone notice her ask the exact same question twice in a row? And the “repeat offenders” awful. She definitely shouldn’t have doubled down and repeated it 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@Therese-1001]

The repeat offenders were the Dr who abused the girls and the people who turned a blind eye. Not the athletes.

[@boskoglund]

Team USA are for sure the team so far i wish you good luck in Paris.🥰😍

[@lindajett4636]

That’s what makes me mad about people is the expectation they put on these young ladies. When performing they are working to do the best for themselves and their team!

[@beawitched5252]

Repeat Offenders?😬

[@heathernewbold406]

Yes, why can’t she just say “Returning Olympians”?

[@octoberscamp]

She’s so right. They owe us nothing, we get the privilege of watching them!

[@christabisbee9357]

Does Beacon get to go to Paris?

[@TommyWiseauu]

I wish!!! I met him!!

[@all4here_____837]

I don't know about you but I'd would like to see both womens and men's team on the podium this Olympics.

[@roseycheeks34]

I want Shawn to review Mykayla skinner and what she said about the trials .

[@phantasmex]

The difference between Shawn’s take and McKayla’s take is night and day. Shawn being positive and uplifting of the US team while McKayla criticizes and tries to yearns for the Marta Karoyli days (delusional).

[@justacellist3989]

@@phantasmex Mykayla also thinks she would have made this team. Delusional is not a strong enough word.

[@anovemberstar]

"Repeat offenders" - WTAF??!

[@gtf5392]

Yeah, when she said it the second time, I was like seriously?

[@danceballetacro]

she said it once i thought ok not best word choice- she said it twice im like what the heck these are athletes not sex offenders

[@tyrellhankerson6851]

I love Shawn first american to do amanar

[@dkadkins6545]

Love Simone, but Chusovitina proved that you could have longevity years before. I suppose she meant to talk about longevity in US gymnastics but she evoked the rest of the world.

[@nellingwood2]

Of course we will get team gold. Our biggest competition (Russisa) isn't competing for the first time since 1984.

[@sadie4me2]

Can’t wait for Paris!

[@lizacana2898]

After Aly Reisman .. she was the first

[@patricksmith8037]

I wish they’d get an interviewer who knows something about the sport :( like why did she say “repeat offenders” that many times

[@creating1_c1999]

The media is something else. No wonder people tune out.

[@Littlelittlesmom]

A more thoughtful take on this Paris team than the garbage Mykayla Skinner put out there…

[@Yooncelebtarot]

Way to only talk about Simone biles… what about our reigning gold medalist Sunisa Lee!

[@fabergefolliesdancentumble3023]

Please don’t by implication cast shade on the tough personalities of the past (Marta & Bella) who laid the foundation. Had they not been strong as iron, the new age girls wouldn’t be able to be so light and airy. Each element has its own place in time. Please make a point of respecting that- and perhaps sharing that with your viewers. History has it’s due.

[@peachy1432]

Shawn is cute 😍

[@robin3969]

Someone should tell Shawn that Russia will not be at the Olympics.

[@cnidia35]

Russia banned? I read they can compete

[@Tarebear120]

Nothing to say to Shawn because Russian athletes are allowed to compete, they just aren’t representing ROC, they will be individual neutral athletes. Maybe read the full story next time and not just headlines.

[@robin3969]

@@cnidia35 athletes that they have proof of supporting the war are not able to compete and the majority of their gymnasts are supporting the War so they will not be sending a team to the Olympics.

[@robin3969]

​@@Tarebear120okay normally I don't like to call people I don't know stupid but you are! She is talking about the gymnastics team competition there will be no Russian gymnastics team at the Olympics.

[@pedropelaez]

@@robin3969there will be no individual neutral athletes from Russia either in artistic gymnastics

[@katekramer7679]

Oh look, you can provide analysis without sh**ing on the skills of athletes on the team. Interesting.

[@siegeaye]

“Repeat offenders…for lack of a better term” Bit of a cringe moment!

[@dailystoic1893]

Repeat offenders? Girl? Ugh 🙄🙄

[@nathanjames4734]

This interviewer was um, not great.

[@4H2O4EVER]

I am one that isn't really okay with he same athletes going year after year. Then add more opportunity than only five girls getting to go. Some athlete will never have their moment being a olympian if only repeater get to go.

[@creating1_c1999]

The Olympics is great but it isn't the only game in town. It's the hardest to vy for and an injury can blow it completely out from under you. NCAA is the move. Jordan had a scholarship to UCLA when she was 13. It's all about worlds. You want to see something exciting, fresh, and new every year? Watch NCAA. It's funner too. Olympics, especially gymnastics is about to get very weak, they'll be paying these youngsters to forego scholarships and college. Livvy Dunne never went to the Olympics and she's immensely wealthy and talented!

[@pedropelaez]

Just in case you are too dumb to realize it, if they repeat going back to the Olympics, it means they were best of all the athletes that were able to compete.

[@DJcyberslash]

They gotta get better then if they wanna beat the best to get on the Olympic team

[@anjilala]

It's about the highest scores? The playing field is level. Every gymnast has the same chance to progress from the trials. In every sport in the Olympics the top performing athletes get the chance to compete. No one gets an automatic ticket. Everyone has to prove themselves again at the trials.If the same athletes get through that process, it's because they were the highest performing athletes at the trials. You're right some athletes will never reach the level of the Olympics. Every athlete has the same chance to be there but they have to be the best of the best to make it. If they didn't make it, they weren't performing at the Olympic level. The Olympics is where people go to see the best of the best. Not the second tier.

[@heatherwicker9990]

It’s a sport and the teams should be made up of the best there is. Not someone stepping aside for someone else. There are no participation trophies at the Olympics. If a veteran gymnast can compete at a high level and win then why not go? It’s a sport. There’s medals and titles on the line. I’d rather send our best than have a team of athletes not able to win because someone deserved to be an Olympian and should get the spot over someone who is stronger and better. So should Simone step aside and let Roberson take her spot? Or Wong? It’s not logical.

[@RvRestoration]

Ugh no... Brazil and China have higher D scores and are cleaner. I dont see us getting a gold this year unless another country falls or gets hurt. All around I think it will be Simone or Rebecca Andrede who is actually cleaner than Simone so we will see. Korea has a very strong gymnast that has D scores in the 7s on ALL events sooo dont think we will cut it this time but the changes to the sport are amazing and these girls are setting up the future and making history

[@ojk46]

Lol Brazil does NOT have higher D scores lmao… China does for sure on bars and beam but are waaay behind on vault. And pray tell, who is that Korean gymnast lmao

[@KaiOpaka]

​@ojk46 You don't know her. She's in Canada. 😂😂 😉 Someone needs to give Simone a heads up about her dominating North/South? Korean foe who's totally real and definitely exists.

[@JRyan-dz4fd]

In general I agree since the "new era" in gymnastics we see a lot of sloppy gymnastics on the elite level. I think in college they should prep them on a more elite structure instead of a rally cheer session. Countries are simply more hungry and take things more serious without all the "trauma dumping". It is a very real possibility Bronze is the best this team can get.

[@k.b.nicole2428]

@@RvRestoration we will see. Leaving this comment to come back to later.

[@michaelhoward5786]

​@@JRyan-dz4fdAgreed, bronze is probably the best china can get

[@charlestoddsullivanforpres6628]

"It's for them" is a good way to run off fans and viewers.

[@pedropelaez]

You poor thing

[@omglauraelizabeth]

Do you really think these athletes train hours on end and give up every other aspect of their lives for you? No. They do it for themselves to fulfill THEIR dreams. And that's totally okay. Why else would they do it?

[@robin3969]

It's definitely not for you!

[@maggie2sticks717]

It used to be for the country but now it’s all about $$$$$

[@creating1_c1999]

@@maggie2sticks717 in other countries they'd beat that into them as toddlers and iso them from their family...US doesn't pay them, so why should any athlete put the country first when they get treated like machines and not humans

[@tyrellhankerson6851]

I love Shawn first american to do amanar