Shawn Johnson is going for the gold in 2012 -- but she needs to work on her pitching

Gymnastics sweetheart Shawn Johnson has announced she will indeed compete in the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London for the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team. In 2008 in Beijing, Iowa native Johnson was considered the favorite for the Women's All-Around title but took silver to her teammate Nastia Liukin's gold.

Johnson did earn gold in the balance beam and took home two more silvers for the team competition and floor exercise. Johnson made her announcement in her hometown of Des Moines to a group of elementary schoolers (awwww), saying, "It's just exciting, but I've got a ways to go. This is just a start. And nothing is a sure thing, but I'm going to give it as big and best an effort as I can."

Hopefully this time she can get that All-Around title and can make room for it on her mantle next to her "Dancing With the Stars" mirror ball trophy. And to add a little intrigue, teammate Nastia Liukin hasn't yet ruled out competing in the London games, so perhaps we will see a rematch?

For more Shawn Johnson goodness, check out our video of her interview with fellow Des Moines native and "American Idol" semi-finalist Katelyn Epperly. Also check out this video of her throwing out a pitch at an Iowa Cubs game. We thought she'd have a little more oomph -- have you seen her biceps? Oh well, we still love you Shawn!

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More Shawn Johnson dish:

Shawn Johnson, Katelyn Epperly interview in Des Moines
PICS: Shawn Johnson on 2009 MTV Movie Awards red carpet
'Dancing's' Shawn Johnson gets a stalker, then a bodyguard
Shawn Johnson to guest on 'Secret Life of the American Teenager'

Photo credit: Getty