Shawn Wins her First Gold Medal, Friend Nastia wins the Silver

Shawn said to the gathered reporters, "...to finally get the gold on my final routine in my Olympic career - er, experience, it's the perfect ending... It means more to me than any medal ever could."

BEIJING (Catholic Online) - The smiling Shawn Johnson, who has delighted crowds all around the world this week, took her first gold medal on the balance beam. Her friend from Parker Texas, gymnast Nastia Liukin, took the Silver.

The pair has encouraged one another throughout the events all week to excel, to be the very best they can be. They both have certainly succeeded.

"Almost unbelievable" said Nastia, the daughter of Valeri Luikin, her Coach, mentor and inspiration who thrilled the world with his skill in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul where he competed for the former Soviet Union.

Now, his pride and joy, his beloved daughter and protégé, has captured five medals, one more than her own beloved father.

Nastia scored the Gold for her performance in the individual all around, three silvers for her team competition, the uneven bars and balance beam, and one bronze for her floor routine.

Her smiling friend from Iowa, Shawn Johnson, finally captured the gold for her stunning balance beam performance. Her explosive power and speed, far exceeding her small stature, impressed the judges and thrilled a watching world. The crowd cried out "Come on Shawn" and she seemed to draw her energy from their enthusiasm.

Later, Shawn said to the gathered reporters, "...to finally get the gold on my final routine in my Olympic career - er, experience, it's the perfect ending... It means more to me than any medal ever could."

In keeping with her ability to capture the hearts of fans and draw the adulation and hungry attention of the American media, the New York Times has issued a special bulletin announcing her accomplishment.

Both of these photogenic athletes will now most certainly be featured all over the television. Their image will grace the cover of many, many magazines in their home in the United States. Today, they were Olympic royalty.

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