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Shawn Johnson East Reveals Emotional Struggles in Gymnastics

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Shawn Johnson East (former Olympic gymnast) discusses emotional struggles on an episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
She says her career was fear-based, with authority figures pressuring her to suppress emotions.
She explains that showing any emotion except a smile could jeopardize her place on National team.
The pursuit of perfection contributed to depression, eating disorders, and identity loss.
The episode airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.

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Story summary

Shawn Johnson East (former Olympic gymnast) discusses emotional struggles on an episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
She says her career was fear-based, with authority figures pressuring her to suppress emotions.
She explains that showing any emotion except a smile could jeopardize her place on National team.
The pursuit of perfection contributed to depression, eating disorders, and identity loss.
The episode airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.