During her career, Shannon has won an astounding 58 International and 49 National competition medals and over half have been Gold, culminating with two Gold Medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta as a member of the "Magnificent Seven". At the ’96 Games, she won Team Gold and, for the first time for any American gymnast, Gold on the balance beam.
Accomplishments and awards from her sport only begin to tell the story of this remarkable young woman. An honors student at Edmond North High School, Shannon is currently continuing her academic success at the University of Houston. In addition to her studies, she contributes an enormous amount of her precious time to numerous charities and is proud to be an example for everyone, young or old, male or female that believes anything is possible with hard work, determination and professionalism. Shannon continues to work with Children’s Miracle Network, a national children’s medial research cause and the Special Olympics. She also has donated her time and energy to causes such as muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, Drug Free Youth, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Pediatric Aids Foundation .
Under the guidance of her longtime coach, Steve Nunno of Dynamo Gymnastics, and drawing on the undying support of her family and friends, Shannon has established a permanent place in gymnastics history while maintaining a well-rounded and full life outside the sport. She has had to overcome many obstacles and has remained focused to achieve greatness; a true testimonial to all those who have a dream and work hard to achieve it. Her leadership, both in and out of the gym, was instrumental to team Gold at the ’96 Games and she will continue to inspire and motivate all who listen and watch in whatever she does in the future. Shannon says it best, "I’d like to tell kids that gymnastics is a great sport, it helps you with coordination, strength, and the discipline you need for any sport. It teaches you that hard work does pay off and about the value and importance of goal-setting. Your goal doesn’t have to be making an Olympic team; there are other goals to pursue. Most importantly, you have to get an education and prepare yourself for the world".
In June of 1999, Shannon wed fellow Oklahoma native, Chris Phillips, now an Ophthalmology resident at the University of Texas in Houston. Following her role as an analyst for MSNBC’s coverage of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Shannon headlined the 35 city TJ Maxx Tour of World Gymnastics Champions and more recently, competed in the Reese’s Cup, televised on NBC in December 2001.
After officially retiring in December of 2001, Shannon is completing her last year of undergraduate education, majoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She remains involved with the sport of gymnastics and continues to work with kids at several gymnastics camps each summer.
Shannon now speaks professionally to businesses and colleges across the country about goal setting and overcoming obstacles. Her unique view of how to "stay in the game" has helped people of all ages; in all walks of life understand the secret to making your dreams come true.