Left to Right: Shawn Johnson, Bianca Flohr, Samantha Peszek, and Rebecca Bross
SA Women S The USA women's jtmior team of Shawn Johnson, Bianca Flohr, Samantha Peszek and Rebecca Bross swept the medals at the Jtmior Pan American Championships at the Palais des Congres in Gatineau, Que., Aug. 25-27, winning 11 out of 11 possible medals. The strong squad won the team competition scoring 179.500 to Brazil's 171.950 and Canada's 171.350. Fourteen-year-old Johnson from Chow's Gymnastics earned the all-around title with a score of 60.250. Flohr, 15, from Cincinnati
Gymnastics Academy won the all-around silver medal with Brazil' s Jade Barbosa claiming the bronze. Although only two gymnasts per country could factor into the all-around rankings, Peszek, 14, from DeVeau's School of Gymnastics scored 59.450 for the fourth top score while Bross, 13, from WOGA scored 57.750 for the fifth top score. The U.S. gymnasts went 1-2 on all four individual events and each of the women won an event gold medal. Johnson won the most medals for the women, claiming the
gold medal for the balance beam and silver medals in the uneven bars and floor exercise. Flohr won uneven bars and was second on the balance beam. Peszek won the floor exercise and was second on vault. Bross was the champion on vault. The Jtmior Pan Am Championships is held every two years and this year's women's competition included teams from 10 countries. We talked to the women's team about their experience and upcoming events. Here's what they had to say! ~
Results on page 47
Shawn Johnson Jlrth Pate: Jatt. 19, 1992 Residence: West Ues Moittes, Iowa Club: Chow~ (}ytMttastics Coaches: Liattg <liao attd Liwett Zhattg 'egan ty,"nastlcs: 1995 at age ~ Most thankful for. My fatMily attd the titMe I get to spettd with thetM.
Q: Tell me about your experience at the Jr. Pan American Championships? Shawn: It was so much fun! Coming off of the Visa Championships made it a little harder, but being with all ofthe girls, we had a blast. Q: Which was your best event and why? 22
USA GYMNASTICS NOVeMBeR 路 DeCeMB~R 2006
Shawn: Beam. Because of all of the numbers I had been putting in, I had the most confidence in this event.
Q: What was the best part ofthe trip?
Shawn: Being with all of the girls and getting to know each other better. We all bonded well and became really good friends. Q: Tell me about school and your schedule? Shawn: I'm in 9th grade. My favorite class is Language and Literature. A normal day for me is school from 8 a.m. until 2 30 p.m. and then straight to gym. When I get home from gym, it's shower, dinner and homework. I enjoy school and always have! Q:What's next? Are you preparing for any camps or competitions? Will you be getting new routines for 2007? Shawn:Training is going good so far and getting better. I'm learning all of my new skills and getting prepared for camp. No new routines, just altered. Q: What level will you compete in 2007 and what are your goals? Shawn: I will be competing as a senior in 2007 and can't wait. My biggest goals for next year are making the Tyson American Cup Team, Great Britain TourTeam, and, of course, the World Championships Team! For 2008 my biggest goal is the Olympics, and when it comes to beyond, I'm not quite thinking that far ahead yet. PHOTOS 路 STEVE LANGE