Shawn Johnson East Surprises Special Olympics Gymnasts

When Shawn Johnson East walked into a gym to meet three Special Olympics gymnasts, she came as a mentor. She left as a student.

The four-time Olympic medalist stars in SOARING, a new documentary now streaming on YouTube. The film follows Paige Trombley, Elizabeth "Liz" Viele, and Jenny Hill as they train for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis this June.

Each athlete brings her own powerful story. Paige is fighting back from injury with determination that mirrors any elite competitor. Liz, who has competed in Special Olympics since the 1990s across basketball, bowling, skiing, and flag football, is making her USA Games gymnastics debut after nearly three decades of dedicated training.

Jenny's journey might be the most remarkable. She was once nonverbal, and her family credits Special Olympics with giving her not just medals, but her voice. Now she's returning for her second USA Games with gold on her mind.

In an unscripted moment captured on film, Johnson East sat down with all three athletes and revealed something unexpected. She talked about her own stage fright, about performing under crushing pressure when your body suddenly feels like it doesn't belong to you.

"Even when I was competing it was not about success," Johnson East said. "I just wanted to have fun. But it's also a terrifying sport. I truly believe what separates the best is people who still love their sport."

Why This Inspires

Johnson East won gold on balance beam in Beijing in 2008, plus three silver medals and three World Championships. The world held its breath watching her gravity-defying routines. But watching Paige, Liz, and Jenny chase their dreams reminded her why gymnastics matters beyond the scoreboard.

"These athletes don't just inspire people around them, they inspire me," she said. The film shows that courage looks the same whether you're competing in Beijing or training for your first USA Games.

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring nearly 3,000 athletes from all 50 states to compete in 16 sports across Minnesota's Twin Cities. RED BARON presents SOARING as part of its partnership with the Games.

Sometimes the most decorated Olympians need reminding that the medals were never really the point.