Georgia gymnast Lauren Johnson will petition for a medical redshirt in hopes of rejoining the Gymdogs for a fifth year in 2018, announced by Johnson and Georgia gymnastics head coach Danna Durante on Friday.

 
 
Johnson, a 2017 All-SEC honoree, missed the 2015 campaign due to a torn ACL suffered prior to the season. After returning to competition midway through 2016, the Atlanta native was a two-event competitor for Georgia in 2017, competing on vault and bars.
 
 
“This extra year of eligibility would be such a blessing,” said Johnson. “I’ve been given so many opportunities already and the fact that I could get another one, to spend one more year as part of the Georgia gymnastics program and to do the sport that I love is inspiring. I’m ready to work hard and I’m ready to bring my best to this team. I don’t know what next season will bring but I know that I’m going be there for my team and that I’ll be ready to conquer anything that comes my way.”
 
 
The 2014 SEC vault champion and a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member, Johnson has been a productive member of the team since the start of her career. This past season, Johnson posted RQS of 9.86 on vault and 9.835 on bars in her first season of competition in the event. She claimed two event titles, both on vault, at Auburn and against Utah.
 
 
“Lauren’s gymnastics journey has been an incredible one,” said Durante. “With her continued growth in her four years here at UGA, she is deeply committed to the Gymdog program and is excited to represent Georgia for one more season. She has been a great teammate both in and out of the gym with a true heart for the entire program, and we’re excited to continue to be a part of her journey.”