Thaindian News

They say good things come in small packages. Nothing could be more true of the handy-sized bubbly contestant of Season 8 of Dancing With The Stars. She stole not just hearts but also flipped her way to the winner’s prize, waltzing away with the coveted mirrored disco-ball trophy. Shawn Johnson, the little lady with the big presence and an even brighter smile, whose initial starter’s bumps and lack of confidence made way for an elegant, poised, self-assured performer later in the show, was a heartwarming favorite right from the start.

Olympian and AAU Sullivan Award Amateur Athlete of the Year, she seems to have added another feather to her kitty of amateur achievements. Once her starting stumbles had been touched up and glossed-over, there was no stopping her. Egged on by coach and choreographer Mark Ballas, who did a remarkable job himself, she was all set to dance with the stars. Announced by host Tom Bergeron, the competition was so close on the heels, that Johnson’s win had come through by a margin of less than 1% as compared to her competitors.

Of course, Shawn’s delight translated into disappointment for Gilles Marini (who missed it by just that much) and Melissa Rycroft who was comparatively a giant two-points behind in the neck-to-neck contest. Gilles Marini’s loss, after his evident near-win, sent the grapevine rumor-mills into overdrive, with paranoid conspiracy theories involving possible sabotage , making the rounds. Shawn’s victory of course, continued to be the toast of the circuit, with the self confessed “caring girl who loves to flip” causing everybody to do just that….flip-out over how incredible she was.