[9] After her win, Johnson remained a vital member of the US team, helping the squad achieve a sixth-place finish at the 1979 Worlds.

However, problems with her verbally abusive coach, who pressured her to lose weight and train even when she was seriously injured, took their toll, both physically and emotionally.

Struggling to complete her University studies and stay competitive in a sport that was increasingly embracing younger, lighter girls, she developed bulimia.

She had placed second at the Olympic Trials, had been named the team captain of the American squad [11] and had been considered a legitimate contender for success at the Games.

[5][8] After relocating to Southern California to train at SCATS with Don Peters, Johnson's fortunes and spirit improved.

By 1983 she was representing the US at the World Championships again; placing eleventh in the all-around and qualifying to the floor exercise event final.

[8] After Johnson retired from gymnastics, her career focus turned to television; less than a year after her Olympic win she appeared as a guest star on the children's show Kids Incorporated.