Due to her clean form and strong technique, Borden was chosen to demonstrate the 1993–1996 compulsory routines to the entire gymnastics community at the 1991 World Championships.

[2] Her enthusiastic, energetic demeanor also attracted attention, prompting commentators to nickname her "Pepsodent.

[3] Greatly disappointed, Borden briefly considered retiring, but within three days she was back at the gym training.

At the individual Worlds in Brisbane, Australia, she placed 8th in the all-around and made the final in uneven bars.

Borden's original skill on the balance beam, a twisting straddle jump, was added to the Code of Points and named after her as element #2.302.

[4] At the Games, she competed on floor exercise and beam, and all four of her scores (compulsories and optionals) were counted toward the team total.

She graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University, earning a degree in early childhood education.

Now as a coach, her Olympic experiences inform her approach to her athletes, both in stressing the importance of doing gymnastics for the love of it, and in overcoming adversity.

[8] Borden's presence as an athlete was characterized by her good cheer and positive mind set, and for her perseverance through difficult times.

[3][9] Thinking back to her disappointment in missing the cut for the 1992 Olympic team, Borden reflects: