Shawn Johnson tweeted something to the effect of, "Big announcement in 15 minutes", at 1:45PM today...and the world waited.

USA Gymnastics released this afternoon that Shawn Johnson would not participate at this week's Visa Championships in St. Louis, Missouri. The decision not to compete effectively ends any chance of Johnson competing for the USA in her second Olympic Games this July. Shawn Johnson has retired from competitive gymnastics. 

Johnson continually struggled with a knee injury that occurred in a skiing accident two years ago. Though Johnson competed at 2011's Pan American Games in Mexico, much of her training subsequent to that meet was a mystery. In early 2012, Johnson visited the Michael Johnson Performance Center to build strength in her troublesome leg. After that stint, Johnson and her camp seemed optimistic about the progress Shawn had made utilizing the program. She made multiple promotional appearances, including May's United States Olympic Committee Media Summit. 

With Johnson off the competitive radar for all of the Olympic year thus far, it was hard to place her piece into the Olympic puzzle. Arguably among the old-guard of 2012 contenders, Shawn stated she hoped to have her signature Amanar vault back for this year. However, the vault that once set her in a class of her own is almost compulsory on the American circuit at present, with nearly a dozen U.S. women competing the vault. Balance beam, where Johnson is reigning Olympic champ, is also one of team USA's depth events. 

On a conference call about her retirement, Shawn shared the following comments:

"This is a really hard moment... Being on the team has been the greatest experience of my life... Unfortunately, time ran out, and I had to accept the fact that it wasn't a possibility anymore... Thank you [to my fans]! My fans have been with me through everything!"

When asked about her future plans for the next 20 years, Shawn laughed, "I couldn't tell you what I'll be doing tomorrow, much less in 20 years!" She did allude to the fact that attending college at either Stanford or Vanderbilt is definitely in her plans by the fall of 2013. Also, she stated that "it would be the biggest honor" to continue working with any of her current sponsors.

Gymnastics fans around the world will undoubtedly be distraught by Shawn Johnson's announcement today. However, retirement and decision to forego competitive opportunities are a part of sport, and gymnastics in particular. Inside Gymnastics would like to celebrate and congratulate Shawn Johnson on her past accomplishments and bright future. Thanks for the memories, Shawn. 

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Photos: Grace Chiu