Shawn Johnson

In 2008, Johnson became an overnight star at the Olympic Games in Beijing, where she helped steer the United States to a silver medal during the team competition. Johnson made her mark during the individual rounds, winning silver in the all-around, as well as for her floor routine. Johnson became an instant celebrity, appearing on countless talk shows after the games, then led the Pledge of Allegiance at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She made a cameo appearance on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" (ABC Family, 2008-13), then was a member of the Tour of Gymnastics Superstars, which traveled the United States during the fall. After publishing a book Shawn Johnson: Olympic Champion: Stories Behind the Smile in December 2008 and being named fifth on the Associated Press list of top female athletes of the year, Johnson became one of 13 contestants to appear on the eighth season of "Dancing With the Stars" (ABC, 2005-) and, at age 17, was the show's youngest competitor up until that time. Continuing the tradition of Olympians prevailing on the popular variety show, Johnson would shockingly beat out French actor, Gilles Marini for the coveted disco ball trophy.