There has been a flurry of comebacks in USA Gymnastics. Alicia Sacramone proved it can be done at this year's Worlds in Rotterdam. Gold in vault, clean beam routine. Nastia Liukin is thinking about a comeback - not committed yet though, perhaps because she is a perfectionist and doesn't want to committ to it unless she believes she can do it at the gold level she wants. (
http://www.gymchat.com/messageboards/gymnastics-chalk-talk/135876-nastia-liukin-comeback-2011-fill-usa-womens-uneven-bars-event-weakness.html). While Nastia dips her toe into the pool to check if it cold or warm, like Alicia Shawn Johnson has jumped into the pool. Earlier this year she announced she is going to make a comeback - she vowed she is going to make a comeback. And even with a torn acl from a ski injury she is going full speed - practicing 4 hours a day, 6 days a week now.
[QUOTE]"A comeback in gymnastics is almost impossible in itself. Add to it an injury, why would you even try? It will take even longer, but I like the challenge."
She seems touchingly unsure of herself. She knows the pain she will have to go through. "The hardest thing is not knowing if I'm going to make it."
She confesses to the loneliness she feels. "I'm 18 years old and I'm living with my parents, all my friends are going off to college. Not many people know what you're going through. But if you can get to the end, then it's worth it." [/QUOTE]
You can watch the recent video on Shawn Johnson from BBC here:
BBC Sport - US gymnast Shawn Johnson faces 'impossible' Olympic comeback
Also:
BBC Sport - Shawn Johnson video message: July 2010 -
Shawn Johnson video message: July 2010
"In the first of a series of video diaries, US gymnast Shawn Johnson tells World Olympic Dreams that she's determined to overcome a recent knee injury and defend her Olympic title at London 2012."