Former Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson has been crowned as one of the winners of Special Forces season 4. After accomplishing the incredible feat, she took to Instagram to share a vulnerable message about overcoming her fears.
Johnson was one of the five celebrities who made it to the season finale of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. At the day’s end, only she and Gia Giudice passed the final test and took the title.
What Did Shawn Johnson Say After Winning Special Forces Season 4?
Johnson celebrated her win by sharing an Instagram carousel of herself, Giudice, and other contestants who made it to the season finale. In the post’s caption, she reflected on how she initially doubted her ability to make it through the gruelling reality show.
“Self-doubt has creeped in over the years… after retirement, a failed comeback, and 3 kids. I wondered if I could. I feared I couldn’t. But dang… it sure feels good knowing I did! I finished!” she wrote.
View this post on Instagram
The 33-year-old Olympic gold medalist acknowledged that while it wasn’t an easy journey, she learned a great deal, healed a great deal, and ultimately became a better person.
She thanked the Directing Staff and her coaches for pushing her to be the best, noting that the smiles and hugs were the “greatest reward.” She also wrote that she was proud of Giudice for persevering, just like she did.
“And to Gia… I’m so fricken proud of you! You pushed so hard and never gave up! Love you, lady!” she added.
READ MORE: Olympic Icon Shawn Johnson Shares Raw Insight on Humbling Special Forces Season 4 Win
Before claiming the Special Forces season 4 title, Johnson and Giudice were tasked with enduring an intense interrogation simulation. When the simulation ended and they both learned that they had won, the final two contestants were so overcome with emotion that they hugged each other and expressed pride in themselves.
Johnson reflected on the experience, saying it’s “humbling” because contestants are often tested so much that their cores are stripped away. Despite it all, she noted that it was an “honor” for her to make it to the end.
Johnson Reveals She Suffered a Concussion During Special Forces
Johnson’s journey to victory in Special Forces didn’t come easily, as she had to endure several challenging tests to make it to the end.
After the season finale aired, the five-time Pan American Games gold medalist revealed that she suffered a concussion among several other injuries during the show.
“I had a concussion. [My husband] Andrew broke two ribs and possibly his nose,” she said.
Johnson also recalled getting “full body bruises” during the backwards dive challenge and, at one point, ripping the skin on her hands. Despite it all, she made it through and was crowned as one of the season’s winners.
