Shawn Johnson announced on 5 July 2026 that a new documentary, “Soaring,” will debut this week, following three athletes with intellectual disabilities as they train for the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis later that month. The former Olympic champion says the film reignites her passion for gymnastics and underscores her commitment to inclusive sport.
Why the documentary matters now
The film captures the athletes’ journey from local gyms to the national stage, showing the same nerves Johnson felt at the 2008 Beijing Games. By spotlighting their preparation for the June 2026 USA Games, the project gives viewers a rare look at elite‑level Special Olympics gymnastics. Johnson explained that seeing the girls’ pure love for the sport reminded her of why she first fell in love with gymnastics at age five.
How Johnson got involved
After retiring from competition, Johnson took on ambassador roles for the Invictus Games, Wounded Warrior competitions, and the Paralympics. In a recent interview she said the Special Olympics invitation felt like a natural next step because “their nerves and worries are exactly the same as mine were.” She now serves as a mentor and occasional coach for the three featured athletes, helping them perfect beam routines and vault approaches.
What the film shows on the mat
“Soaring” follows the trio through daily drills, balance‑beam drills on a four‑inch beam, and a final showcase at the USA Games on 28 June 2026. The documentary includes footage of the athletes executing a full‑twist Yurchenko vault and a double‑layout dismount, feats that Johnson herself performed in Olympic competition. Their scores at the Games—averaging 9.75 on floor and 9.68 on beam—place them among the top ten Special Olympics competitors in the nation.
What this means for Johnson’s future
Johnson says the project has rekindled her desire to stay active in gymnastics beyond occasional social‑media videos. She hinted that she may return to the NBC broadcast team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, bringing her experience as both athlete and advocate to a new generation of viewers. The documentary’s release also aligns with her family’s recent Instagram posts, where she shares light‑hearted moments, including a Jenga challenge on a high‑heeled foot and the adoption of a rescue dog named Oakley.
Community response and upcoming events
Fans reacted quickly on Twitter, praising Johnson for “bringing visibility to Special Olympics gymnastics.” Local gyms in Minneapolis have scheduled meet‑and‑greets with the documentary’s athletes for the week of the Games, offering free clinics for children with disabilities. Johnson will attend the opening ceremony on 27 June 2026, where she plans to present a custom‑made medal to each of the three featured gymnasts.
Looking ahead to LA 2028
With the Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Johnson believes the Special Olympics USA Games serve as a “bridge” that unites athletes of all abilities on a global stage. She hopes the documentary will inspire more Olympians to support inclusive programs and that the athletes featured will continue to compete at the highest level of Special Olympics gymnastics.
“Soaring” streams on NBC’s digital platform starting 7 July 2026, and Johnson encourages viewers to watch, share, and support the next wave of gymnastics talent, regardless of the medals on the wall.