World Class 2012 in partnership with the British Council bring you the stories of the schools where the dreams begin.

At Beijing 2008 teenage gymnast Shawn Johnson won Olympic gold on the balance beam and three silver medals for the USA.

Shawn is also well known to American TV audiences for winning Dancing with the Stars, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing.

The gymnast attended four schools in West Des Moines, a city in the state of Iowa.

School gave me a place to go outside of gymnastics. It was the one place I could go and be normal. If gymnastics didn't work out, school would make me successful Shawn Johnson

Shawn attended the following schools:

Westridge Elementary - kindergarten to grade 6

Indian Hills Junior High - grades 7 and 8

Valley Southwoods Freshman High - grade 9

Valley High - grade 10

We are in touch with the schools and will add more information about these schools shortly. Check back to find out about Shawn's school days and how she was honoured in her home town.

World Olympic Dreams

Shawn is one of the athletes being tracked as London 2012 approaches and they strive to make their Olympic dreams a reality.

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