David Klatt, NBCOlympics.com

American gymnast Shawn Johnson celebrated her 18th birthday on Tuesday with the Olympic torch held high in the streets of Calgary.

Shortly after she finished running her leg of the relay, Johnson, who won a gold and three silvers in Beijing in 2008, said there was no doubting it: Canadians are psyched for the Winter Olympics to begin.

“This definitely will rank up there with my top five Olympic memories,” says Johnson.

The sights and sounds make it easy to see why.

Canadian fans lined the streets of the 1988 Winter Olympic host city decked out in red and white. Adults and children alike cheered loudly. Some of them were wearing wigs, Johnson said. Many asked her if they could touch the torch.

The relay leg kicks off the Des Moines native’s first Winter Games experience with one of the greatest Olympic honors.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” she said.

Johnson says she’s looking forward to visiting Vancouver next month. Apolo Ohno is among her favorite Winter Olympians, so short track is definitely high on her list of events to see. She’s also hoping to catch some snowboarding action at Cypress Mountain.

“Louie Vito is a good friend,” says Johnson, adding she has her fingers crossed the American snowboarder will qualify to compete in Vancouver’s halfpipe.

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