Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East joins Shannon Spake on Sons and Daughters for a powerful conversation about perfection, pressure, commitment, motherhood, and life after the Olympic spotlight.

Shawn opens up about becoming “America’s girl” during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the pressure of being seen as perfect, and the reality behind the polished Olympic stories fans saw on television. She reflects on growing up as a shy kid who found confidence inside the gymnastics gym, the coach who protected her joy, and the parents who fought to keep her childhood intact while she chased one of the biggest dreams in sports.

Shawn also discusses her new book with husband Andrew East, The Courage to Commit, and explains why commitment is not just about pushing through, but also knowing when a chapter has served its purpose. She shares the January 1st conversation that changed the direction of her life, why she wanted to build a home she did not want to leave, and how becoming a mom has reshaped her view of success.

From Olympic sacrifice and performance anxiety to failure, family, faith, balance, and learning when to walk away, this is Shawn Johnson East beyond the gold medal.

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