I never would have thought growing up in Des Moines, Iowa there would be so many exciting artifacts. Iowa isn’t known for being a very big place. The state continues to grow every day. Last week I visited the Iowa Historical Society and got the chance to see that up close. As a big sports supporter and graduate of Valley High School I decided to write on the exhibit profile of local gymnast Shawn Johnson and her quest for the gold. Growing up in West Des Moines and attending Valley High School we had a few things in common. I did some outside research where I found that we also shared the same birthday. I thought it was pretty cool knowing what she has accomplished and that I had a few things in common with a famous person where I’m from. I remember watching her compete in the Olympics due to the fact of her being from Iowa. It was fun to keep track of how she was doing and whether or not she would get the gold. She has gone from gymnast in the Olympics winning a gold medal to Dancing with the Stars Champion and A celebrity not only locally but nationally recognized making celebrity appearances on Oprah, Ellen Degeneres and Tonight Shows to name a few. She has put Iowa on the map but it all comes down to her attitude being positive, hard-working, and helping others for example through charitable functions when she appeared on “Who wants to be a Millionaire” and gave her $50,000 winnings to charity.

Shawn Johnson has been a big role model for the youth of our state, from the beginning she made a big impact on the local community and was heavily supported with her mission for gold. I remember being at the Iowa State Fair and there was pavilion set up with TV’s just to watch the Olympics. It was always packed when Shawn was competing. She was also made into a butter sculpture for the annual Iowa State Fair. In 2007 with her World Championship performances, Iowa Governor Chet Culver set October 17 as “Shawn Johnson Day”. She has defiantly made a big impact on the state and hopefully more people from Iowa emerge into a star like her.

Everyday more Iowans are getting recognized in their sports profession. Another emerging star that I can also relate to is Hoover graduate Jeremy Hellickson who is now a Major League Baseball Pitcher. When I was growing up playing AAU baseball I got a chance to actually face him in the batter’s box even then he could really throw a baseball. To see him succeed into the professional rankings is very cool with knowing I played against him.

I have realized that anything is possible you just have to work hard, be determined and sometimes just be gifted. Shawn Johnson is one of those gifted talents who worked hard, didn’t give up and grew to be a well known Iowan. She has a good personality, caring whether it’s to the community or anywhere else, but also gives back to new gymnast that are training to be like her at Chow’s gymnastics. By having individuals like her makes Iowa a better place to live, raise a family and know you have people like her who give back.

By: Cody