Shawn Johnson East Nails the Perfect Balance on Jenga Stack—in Sky-High Heels originally appeared on Parade.
In a “don’t try this at home” moment, Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East is proving that her balance beam skills are as strong as ever. Recently, she took on a viral social media challenge made famous by Nicki Minaj with her signature gymnast flair.
In a hilarious and impressive Instagram reel, the athlete and former “DWTS” winner perched precariously atop a towering Jenga stack, rocking sky-high heels, with core strength and poise that made it look effortless.
Check out the jaw-dropping video that has fans buzzing:
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Wow! East (@shawnjohnson) nailed the pose in a sleek black outfit and sunglasses, legs crossed, channeling Nicki Minaj’s iconic stance.. With one heel balanced on the wooden blocks stacked on her kitchen counter, she even held a drink for added nonchalance.
Related: Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson East Shares the #1 Healthy Habit She Still Swears By Post-Olympics
Her husband, Andrew East, pulled out a piece as she held the move, keeping every block perfectly in place. With her history as a 2008 Beijing Olympics champion on the balance beam and “DWTS” Season 8 winner, she’s proving she’s still every bit a superstar.
Her Instagram fans loved the display of skill and fun. One shared, “That is freaking unbelievable and a little crazy! You two are so entertaining.” And @maegangrifffin added, “The Olympian has spoken!”
What Is the Nicki Minaj Challenge?
The Nicki Minaj Challenge, which went viral in mid-2025, is inspired by Minaj’s dramatic “pretzel pose” from her 2013 “High School” music video. Participants recreate this pose in heels, often adding difficulty by balancing on unstable surfaces like books or chairs. But this took the challenge to new heights, literally.
East’s playful and impressive take on the Nicki Minaj Challenge reminds us that even as a mom and retired gymnast, she still has the strength and skills that made her a household name. Whether it’s family moments or viral trends, she continues to wow her fans with her talent and charm.
Shawn Johnson East Nails the Perfect Balance on Jenga Stack—in Sky-High Heels first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
