By a winning margin of less than 1 percent, Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and 2 Time Winner partner Mark Ballas danced away as season-eight champions of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" Tuesday. The Dynamic Duo, put the pedal to the medal as Mark Ballas created one of the shows most amazing FREESTYLES, it had all the bells and whistles in it. It was dangerous, exciting, full of floor work, lifts, and amazing tricks. A night that will certainly go down in the Dancing With The Stars, history books.

"This has been the most amazing experience ever, and I've grown so much, I will put this trophy in my trophy case and my Olympic medals around it," a breathless Johnson said after the results were announced.

Johnson and Ballas earned the disco-ball trophy over actor Gilles Marini and partner Cheryl Burke, who finished second. Third were "The Bachelor" contestant Melissa Rycroft and partner Tony Dovolani.

Final results were based on the combined scores the three couples received from the judges on Monday's and Tuesday's shows (50 percent), and audience votes from Monday's show (50 percent).

"I tried really hard, and I feel I really peaked tonight," said Johnson, after she and Ballas danced the cha cha Tuesday for a perfect score of 30 points. "I had a great time, and I loved every second of it."

"We picked a dance we received a score of 27 to see if we could get a 30, and we did"! Mark Ballas said.

All three judges praised Johnson's precision and expressive development over the course of the 11-week competition.

Mark Ballas and Shawn Johnson, season-eight champions of "Dancing with the Stars"

"The longer you go, the stronger you get," judge Len Goodman said. "I've always been impressed with your technique and your precision. My problem has been lack of performance, but tonight you've come out."

Judge Bruno Tonioli teased Johnson about her gradual maturity throughout the season. "You're getting hotter by the day!" he said. "From cute to saucy and sexy. And your technique is always spot-on. Great!"

Carrie Ann Inaba, the third judge, said Johnson earned her place in the finals.

"I think we all underestimated you," Inaba said. "In the last three weeks you've just powered your way right to the top, and you deserve to be right where you are."

Marini, who before Tuesday's show noted the gymnast's "true competitive spirit," said Johnson and Ballas were worthy champions.

"I'm so happy for Shawn and Mark," Marini said. "They worked so hard and we love them so much."

Ballas, who partnered with Olympic figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi to win the trophy two seasons ago, praised Johnson's technical commitment and dancing skills.

"I definitely feel that Shawn has come a long away, from a little caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly," Ballas said. "I am so proud and honored to be her partner, and to take her this far."

At 17, Johnson is the youngest competitor in "Dancing with the Stars" history. She credited the show for giving her a new perspective on competition.

"I've grown up a lot since starting this show," Johnson said. "My whole life I've been a competitor. With this show, I've learned to be a partner."