The Wake

Laura Johnson is, well, kind of a big deal when it comes to gymnastics. Johnson, a journalism senior from Albuquerque, N.M., has been an All-Big Ten honoree four years in a row, making her the fourth Gopher in history to accomplish such a feat. This year Johnson was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Year and is currently ranked 25th in GymInfo National Rankings in the all around.

The Wake: How did it feel to win the Big Ten for the first time since 1998?

Johnson: It was so exhilarating. It is almost surreal. When you go in you’re not really expecting to win, especially against a team like Michigan who has won the last eight years, and who is ranked a good 15 to 20 spots ahead of us. It really was just an amazing feeling.

The Wake: How surprising was it that Michigan came in fourth place after winning eight seasons in a row?

Johnson: Oh it was unbelievably surprising. I think everyone at the meet including the audience was shocked. If Michigan hadn’t won, it was expected they would have at least taken second. So to be upset by three teams is a huge deal.

The Wake: Why did you choose the U of M being (you are) from Albuquerque NM?

Johnson: It was kind of a difficult situation. I was recruited by different schools around the nation. But my parents knew Doug Day (assistant coach) because he is from New Mexico and I kind of grew up with him so they wanted Minnesota. Plus when I came up here on a trip it just fit. I fit with the girls and the coaches and it was a Big Ten school.

The Wake: What state do you like the most Minnesota or New Mexico?

Johnson: Umm, they’re just so different. They both have their good points. I do love the U because it is in a big city and we are in an urban environment, which is great for what I want to do. It has been a lot of fun experiencing this intense of a winter. I also love New Mexico. I love the mountains. It’s really hard for me to get used to not having mountains around. I love the dry heat and the culture down there … I can’t choose. I would say maybe Minnesota now and New Mexico later in life.

The Wake: What is one misconception people have about gymnastics?

Johnson: That everyone has an eating disorder. Also I feel like people don’t realize how difficult this sport is. We do train year around and we average about 20 hours a week; about four hours a day, five days a week. I also don’t think people realize the commitment it takes because we have all had training for close to 20 years.

The Wake: What do you enjoy most about gymnastics?

Johnson: I enjoy the diversity. It can always change and you can always do a different skill. You can always get better. In other sports you can hit your peak and there are only certain things you can do, like you can only run. But in this sport there are really endless possibilities.

The Wake: What do you dislike the most about gymnastics?

Johnson: I really dislike the toll it has taken on my body. It really beats you up.

The Wake: Where and what do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

Johnson: Well, because a teammate and myself are starting a lingerie company next year, a maternity lingerie company, hopefully that will be off the ground and running successfully. And also getting married and traveling the world.