Olympic Champion Shawn Johnson’s Comeback Ahead of Schedule

Olympic champion Shawn Johnson has been working on her comeback to competitive gymnastics after time off, winning Dancing with the Stars, and keeping up with her busy media schedule. Originally she was schedule to make her comeback debut in August at the 2011 Visa Championships in St. Paul, MN, but according to a USA Gymnastics’ Facebook status update and a report from International Gymnast, Shawn Johnson will be competing the Cover Girl Classic in July.

The Cover Girl Classic is being held in Chicago on July 23rd. It is one of the meets that gymnasts can use to qualify to the 2011 Visa Championships which is considered to be a stepping stone for many in their journey to earn a berth on the 2012 US Olympic Team. Shawn will only be competing in two events – most likely bars and beam – for both the Covergirl Classic and Visa Championships as she is still recovering from knee surgery. I’m excited to see how she does – as so many comebacks are disappointing – but I’m rooting for Shawn!!

Shawn has also signed a sponsorship deal with Nike leading into the 2012 London Olympic Games. She will be wearing Nike cross-training gear, but I can only wonder if Nike will launch a line of Shawn Johnson apparel. Its unlikely they will enter into the leotard arena, but you never know.

Image Source: ShawnJohnson.net