Johnson oversaw the coaching of the national swim program for three Olympic Games: Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004).
Shortly after the Athens Olympics, Swimming Canada president Rob Colburn dismissed Johnson.
[3] Johnson was succeeded by Pierre Lafontaine, a former Talbot protégé, and Team Canada turned in improved results at the 2005 World Aquatics Championships.
Johnson appointed Shauna Nolden as Canada's first female Olympic swim coach on June 4, 2000.
The appointment was criticized by the Canadian Swimming Coaches Association, as Nolden was not selected on pre-determined criteria and results.