Shawn Johnson Wins 'Oscar' of Sports

ET was with Olympic gold medal winner and "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Shawn Johnson as she was honored as the most outstanding amateur athlete in the U.S.

The 17-year-old gymnast was awarded the Sullivan Award on Wednesday night by the Amateur Athletic Union during a ceremony at the New York Athletic Club.

"It's the most prestigious athletic award any elite athlete can get," Shawn tells ET. "Just the honor of being nominated in itself is the biggest honor there is. Last year I was nominated but didn't even make the top 100, so this year it just shows that the hard work paid off."

The award -- known as the Oscar in the world of sports -- is given to athletes with outstanding leadership and sportsmanship qualities as well as "strong moral character." Figure skater Michelle Kwan got the award in 2001 and swimmer Michael Phelps won in 2003.

Watch the video to see a behind-the-scenes look at how Shawn prepared for her big night!

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