Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin Rebuild Their Friendship After 8-Year Rift
In the world of Olympic gymnastics, few rivalries have been as iconic as Shawn Johnson East and Nastia Liukin. Competing together at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the two American gymnasts were often pitted against each other—both by the media and the fans.
While the world saw them as fierce competitors, Shawn and Nastia were actually close friends behind the scenes. But over time, outside influences caused their bond to fade, leading to an eight-year period of little to no communication.
Now, after years apart, the two have rekindled their friendship—and they’re proving that true bonds can survive misunderstandings, rivalries, and time.
In an exclusive interview with E! News, Shawn Johnson opened up about what led to their fallout, how they found their way back to each other, and what their relationship looks like today.
The Rise and Rift: What Went Wrong Between Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin?
At just 16 years old, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin were at the peak of their careers, representing Team USA at the 2008 Olympics.
Nastia Liukin won the gold medal in the individual all-around, while Shawn Johnson took home the silver. Later, Shawn went on to win gold on the balance beam, while Nastia earned silver in the uneven bars and beam, plus bronze on the floor exercise.
The world watched as Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin dominated the 2008 Beijing Olympics, securing gold and silver medals in the all-around gymnastics competition. But while the public saw them as rivals, the two were actually friends behind the scenes—until outside influences drove a wedge between them.
“I feel like we get so caught up in a world of like, ‘It looks like they’re doing this, or it feels like they’re upset,’” Shawn explained in the interview.
“Or, you let other people speak into you, other than you.”
At the height of their gymnastics careers, the two athletes were constantly compared, pitted against each other by fans, the media, and even people in their own circles. Over time, those outside opinions created tension, and their friendship gradually faded.
Though neither gymnast had ill intentions, the perception of rivalry and competition led them to drift apart.
How Shawn and Nastia Rekindled Their Friendship
After nearly a decade of silence, Shawn and Nastia finally had an honest conversation—one that changed everything.
“To be able to come back and be like, ‘What went wrong? I’m so sorry. I’ve truly missed you and I’ve had this hole in my heart,’” Shawn shared, reflecting on their reunion.
The key to their reconciliation, she said, was communication.
“I think we heard it in an interview we did once on a podcast where someone said, ‘The human heart was never meant for this many voices that we hear every single day on social media and news.’”
She realized that if they had just talked sooner, they could have avoided years of distance.
“In times of insecurity like that, you just have to quiet the noise and go to the source—call someone, go to coffee.”
And that’s exactly what they did. While there was no dramatic falling out, years passed with little to no contact—leading to a nearly decade-long friendship gap.
The Moment That Brought Them Back Together
Their turning point came in 2016, when Shawn was planning her wedding to Andrew East.
“I was busily planning our vows near our home in Tennessee,” she recalled.
Despite their years apart, Shawn knew she wanted Nastia there on her big day.
“I said, ‘I know this is short notice, but I can’t imagine my wedding without you there.’”
To her surprise and joy, Nastia showed up—a moment that solidified their renewed bond.
“She made it, and it was the greatest thing ever.”
Since then, their friendship has flourished, proving that time and misunderstandings can be healed with honest conversations and mutual effort.
Life After Gymnastics: Where Are They Now?
Though their competitive gymnastics days are behind them, Shawn and Nastia have each built successful careers in new fields.
- Nastia Liukin, now 35, has stepped into the world of beauty, wellness, and style, sharing insights on her eponymous website.
- Shawn Johnson East, now 33, hosts the Couple Things podcast with her husband Andrew East, while also pursuing entrepreneurial projects—including a recent collaboration with Beam on their Kids All-in-One Superpowder.
“My kids love it,” Shawn raved about the nutrient-packed product.
“They even know it’s their vitamins, but they have never questioned that. They just want their chocolate milk.”
Balancing Family, Friendship, and Careers
As a mother of three—Drew (5), Jett (3), and Bear (14 months)—Shawn stays busy juggling parenthood, business, and personal life. But she always makes time for Nastia, whether it’s through casual hangouts or double dates with their partners.
“We flip for the chance to hang solo or double date with Andrew and Nastia’s longtime boyfriend, Ben Weyand.”
Their stronger-than-ever friendship proves that real bonds can withstand years of separation—as long as both parties are willing to reconnect and move forward.
Lessons from Their Journey: How to Mend a Broken Friendship
Shawn and Nastia’s story serves as a valuable lesson for anyone experiencing friendship struggles.
- Silence the outside voices. Don’t let social media, rumors, or misunderstandings dictate your friendships.
- Communicate openly and honestly. If something feels off, reach out instead of assuming the worst.
- Don’t let time dictate your bond. Even if years pass, it’s never too late to reconnect.
- Make an effort. Rebuilding a friendship takes work, but the result is worth it.
Final Thoughts: A Friendship That Stood the Test of Time
Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin’s friendship may have faced an eight-year hurdle, but in the end, they stuck the landing.
From Olympic competitors to lifelong friends, their journey proves that true friendships can survive even the toughest challenges—as long as there’s a willingness to reconnect, forgive, and move forward.
As they continue to thrive in their personal and professional lives, one thing is clear: their bond is stronger than ever—and this time, they’re not letting it go.
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