Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson will be speaking at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Thursday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m.

Open to the public, the event is free. Individuals interested in going can find Johnson in McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building.

Johnson is an accomplished athlete, having won four Olympic medals.

Her life since then has been just as exciting.

Johnson has had to face a dangerous stalker situation. She ended her career after a severe knee injury and has appeared on ABC’S Dancing With the Stars.

Johnson will speak about her struggle to balance her life since retirement.

She was only 16 during her Olympic debut. Her girl-next-door charm and impressive two time National Champion titles earned her a reputation as a fan favorite.

Johnson left the Beijing Olympics with a gold and a silver in balance beam and floor, team and individual.

On Dancing with the Stars, she won the mirror ball trophy. In the 2012 All-Stars season, she placed second.

Johnson is a published author with the release of her memoir Winning Balance.

Johnson also has a Wii game and a spot as a Miss America judge.

Even though attendance is free, this event is only made available through the Student Activity, the Division of Student Affairs and the Harriet Behrend Ninow Memorial Lecture Series Fund at the Behrend campus.

For additional information, contact the Office of Student Activities at 814-898-6171.