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. (read more)

Gold Medal Greetings Announces Launch of New Voice Greeting Service

Gold Medal Greetings (GMG) announces the launch of a new service offering custom telephone greetings from some of the most famous and decorated names in the sport of gymnastics. Customers can order a pre-recorded message from a gymnastics celebrity as a gift to be delivered via telephone on the day and time of their selection. World-class athletes who have triumphed at the highest levels of the sport are included in the program. Gold Medal Greetings has signed a world-class roster of charter athletes including Olympic Champions Shawn Johnson, Shannon Miller, Carly Patterson and Paul Hamm, Olympic medalist Jonathan Horton, World Champion and Olympian Chellsie Memmel, and three-time Olympian Blaine Wilson. In addition to standard messages, a CustomCall option will also be available for customers to personalize the celebrity greeting with a personal message. Greetings delivered in the U.S. are $8.99 and $9.99 for International and CustomCalls. A portion from each order goes to the charity of the athlete’s choosing. “Gold Medal Greetings helps spark the celebration of favorite days and occasions throughout the year,” said Tanya Jacoby, spokesperson for Gold Medal Greetings. (read more)

An Unprecedented Assembly of Performers, Olympians, Philanthropists and Actors to Preside Over Seven Neighborhoods on the World's Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship.

When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, the global cruise line will continue its tradition of innovation by putting a new twist on one of maritime's longest standing traditions. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one special person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven extraordinary godmothers to represent the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas, one of which is Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike. The godmothers include: Shawn Johnson, four-time medalist at the 2008 Olympic games for women's gymnastics and cancer philanthropist, who in addition to serving as a godmother for Oasis of the Seas, will be granting wishes onboard as part of her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Gloria Estefan, Michelle Kwan, Jane Seymour, Dara Torres, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Daisy Fuentes The seven women will take their posts to officially name the ship at a ceremony during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. (read more)

Omaha World-Herald

Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Shawn Johnson participated in the Hy-Vee Whole Health Experience at the Mid-America Center. Q & A with Shawn Johnson: You've certainly been busy since Beijing. What's your schedule been like recently?   This is actually a slow time for me, which with me isn't really slow. I'm staying home a lot. I'm getting more time to spend in the gym and get back into shape. I'm finishing up school and trying to get into college. I'm working with McDonald's. I'm going to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Ten kids get to travel with me there and experience the Games. I've done some correspondence work with “Dancing with the Stars.” I'm kind of enjoying life right now. What is next for you in gymnastics?   It's still a huge question on whether I'm going to return right now. It's a hard decision. I fulfilled my lifelong dream and goal in Beijing. It's a huge commitment, but I miss the sport. I am getting back in shape. I'm playing around in the gym to see if it's still what I want to do. How much time do you spend in the gym?   I haven't really started in the gymnastics gym yet. I go to a fitness center every day. I have a physical trainer I'm working with. I'm trying to get back in the position I want to be in. What has been the most fun thing you've done since the Olympics?  “Dancing with the Stars” by far. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could. Being thrown into something completely new was refreshing. I'd never done anything besides gymnastics. It was really rewarding for me. (read more)

It’s a Boy! For Shannon Miller, America’s Most Decorated Gymnast

Olympic Gold Medalist and America's Most Decorated Gymnast, Shannon Miller and her husband John Falconetti, President of The Drummond Press, welcomed their first child, John Rocco Falconetti, on October 28, 2009.  The baby boy was born at 6:46pm, weighing 7lbs, 11oz.

"There is nothing that compares to seeing your child for the first time.  Hearing him cry and holding him in our arms.  We feel so blessed and are excited to begin this new adventure!"

In addition to sports broadcasting and hosting her own television show, Shannon continues to be a strong advocate for health and wellness for women, recently taping a prenatal fitness video and writing a series of fitness books to be out in 2010. (read more)