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Like many other U.S. gymnasts before her, 16 year-old Shawn Johnson is in the running to be America's sweetheart — both during and after her appearance at the 2008 Olympic gymnastics competition.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa on January 19, 1992 Shawn began training at age 6 when her parents enrolled her in nearby Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute under the tutelage of Chow Liang, a Chinese gymnastics star in the late 1980s.

Liang, a native of Beijing, remains her coach to this day.

Now a media darling with appearances on Ellen, the Today Show, and on the list of Time Magazine's Top 100 Athletes to Watch, the winner of the 2008 U.S. All-Around Champion title is poised to steal the hearts of millions around the world.

Advertisers have already showered her with endorsement deals - from Coca-Cola, Adidas, and McDonald's - amounting to nearly $1 million for the gymnast who only began serious competition three years ago.

Shawn currently attends Valley High School in her native Des Moines and when not performing on the balance beam can be seen scribbling poetry in her journal that she takes with her everywhere she goes.

More about Shawn Johnson around the Web:

Shawn Johnson - Wikipedia - Full biography with career history and stats, quotes, photos, related references and resources.

Shawn Johnson - America's next great gymnast - Feature article with details on Shawn's career and personal life, photo gallery, related forum and visitor comments.

ABC News Person of the Week: Shawn Johnson - Why she was picked, told in an interactive photo slide show.

Shawn Johnson (2008 Gymnastics Hopeful) - Photo and profile from Familes.com with personal info and performance record.

also see in Sports & Recreation -> Gymnastics

also see -> Getting Kids Started in Gymnastics