U.S. gymnast Shawn Johnson has stepped out after losing 25 pounds. The 20-year-old won three silver medals and one gold medal in Beijing 2008 Olympics.  She spoke to reporters on Monday, speaking about her body image and the hurtful comments by the tabloids regarding her weight gain.


"At my heaviest all the tabloids said some pretty hurtful things," she said at the USOC media summit on Monday.
"That whole process kind of broke me down and taught me something," Johnson said, as reported by USA Today. "People put too much emphasis on looks."


She spoke of her battle with her weight and her doubts about her body. "I was at the Olympic Games winning medals and I still doubted my image. I doubted what I looked like. That's sad. Girls should be taught different than that. I think everyone should be taught different than that."


The Olympic gold-medalist put on the weight after taking part in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and competing in "Dancing With the Stars" the subsequent year.


She stands at 4 foot 9 inches - and as a  gymnast, admits that many girls in her profession fight eating disorders because body image, weight and health are scrutinized in the worst way. "We're taught at such a young age that you can always be better and that you're never perfect and that you're never good enough. You find your worth in someone else and what they say just from having looked at you. It's hard."


It is not certain whether Johnson will compete at the London 2012 Olympics. The champion tore her ACL in her left knee during a ski trip in 2010. She spoke to Fox Sports about her attempt at a comeback for the U.S. Olympic squad this year. "I'm getting stronger on a daily basis. I'm excited for June. This time around, I've taken a whole new approach and mentality. This isn't the end-all, be-all. I'm in it for fun. I'm having fun, and I want to keep having fun. It's not just about me, it's about the team. And whether I make it or not, I've already come to terms with either outcome. It's about Team USA and getting that gold."


She told Fox Sports that she wants to be there [at the London 2012 Olympics]. "We have unfinished business. We're going for the gold."

"The adversity of the injury's only made me a better athlete. I see it all differently now. I'm excited by the challenge. I'm ready." 

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