Dancing with the Stars: Shawn Johnson crowned as champion

Dancing with the Stars: Shawn Johnson crowned as champion

Seventeen year old Olympic gold winner Shawn Johnson is the champion of the "Dancing With the Stars" Season 8 ballroom.

In the closest vote ever in the history of  "Dancing" , Shawn and her professional partner, Mark Ballas, edged out runner-ups Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke, by less than 1percent. Show co-host Tom Bergeron has revealed this news.


After learning the news , elated Shawn said,  "This has been the most amazing experience ever,"  "I've grown so much. Thank you!"

Gilles Marini had been a judges' favorite, and on the final night performed an Argentine tango that left them raving.

After the performance judge Carrie Ann Inaba added, "You're our very special performer," "You bring such amazing artistry to your dances that completely sets you apart."

Although the praise did not help him walk away with the mirror ball trophy, the sexy Frenchman had no regrets. He added, "I'm so happy for Shawn and Mark”. "We love them so much."

Shawn and Mark celebrated their victory, thereby hoisting the mirror ball trophy high . Interestingly it is the second time that Mark has won with an Olympic gold medalist . Earlier  he  took the top prize with Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6).

 Tom had some advice on what the Shawn should do with her new trophy. He smiled by saying, "Put it next to all those medals, my dear."

Melissa Rycroft, and her partner, Tony Dovolani, grabbed  third position..