In 1984, history was made in women’s artistic gymnastics when Kathy Johnson led the U.S. women’s team at the Los Angeles Olympics. The team, including Pam Bileck, Michelle Dusserre, Julianne McNamara, Mary Lou Retton, and Tracee Talavera, achieved something remarkable. For the first time since the 1948 Summer Olympics, the USSR did not take home gold in the women’s all-around competition. Instead, Romania claimed the gold for the first time in history. The U.S. team, which had previously won bronze in the 1948 Olympics, hadn’t medaled again until this moment in 1984, when they clinched the silver.

In addition, Mary Lou Retton became the first American to win the individual all-around gold medal. Now, in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Kathy Johnson shared her thoughts on the return of the Olympics to American soil for the first time since the 2002 Winter Games, expressing her excitement about the Games coming back to LA.

During an exclusive chat with EssentiallySports, Kathy Johnson was asked about her feelings regarding her official debut in the 1984 Olympics in LA and the upcoming return of the Games to LA in 2028, over 40 years later. In reply, Kathy Johnson shared, “I feel incredibly fortunate to still be involved in the sport I have loved since I was 12 years old. Since Los Angeles was home for me for 21 years between 1983 and 2004 it will be a thrill to come back to celebrate our 44th anniversary in 2028!” 

In addition to winning a silver medal with the squad, Kathy Johnson Clarke also clinched an individual bronze on the balance beam, making her the second American female gymnast to medal in both the Worlds and the Olympics. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared with EssentiallySports, “The memories we made in 1984 will come alive as we unite to watch our fellow Olympians’ dreams come true on the sports world’s biggest stage!” Moreover, a standout moment in her conversation was when she acknowledged the significant changes the sport has undergone.

Changes and evolutions in gymnastics since Kathy Johnson last competed

Since the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, women’s artistic gymnastics has undergone major transformations. In 2006, they ditched the old 10.0 scoring system to favor something more open-ended. Now, gymnasts get scored on two parts: the Difficulty (D) score, which has no limits, and the Execution (E) score, which tops out at 10. This change put the spotlight on pulling off tougher skills and combinations, pushing gymnasts to step up their game. What used to be considered top-tier moves back in ’84 are now just the basics.

But it’s not just the scoring that’s evolved. The equipment got an upgrade too. In the early 2000s, they swapped out the old-school “horse” for the “vaulting table,” making it safer and enabling some seriously impressive vaults. Routine compositions on the uneven bars have also evolved to include more release moves and intricate combinations. And let’s not forget about the artistic side of things, especially on floor exercise, with intricate choreography and music selection playing a key role in performance.

Speaking about these evolutionary changes, Kathy Johnson noted, “Though much has changed in sports, and gymnastics specifically, the one thing that remains the same is the spirit of the Olympic Games and what it feels like to represent one’s country and compete with the best athletes on the planet!” As we ponder these insights, let’s take a glimpse into what lies in store for fans at the LA Olympics in 2028.

What awaits the sporting world at the LA28?

Back at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, gymnastics fans got a real treat. Not only did they get to witness the usual artistic gymnastics events, but they also saw the debut of rhythmic gymnastics with the women’s individual all-around competition. All the action went down at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion, lighting up the stage from July 30 through August 5. Now, fast forward to the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, and it’s gearing up to be something special all over again.

From July 14 to July 30, LA will be buzzing with Olympic fever. This time around, LA is making history as the first North American city to host the Olympics for the third time. The game lineup is stacked with a mix of traditional and new sports. Get ready for the debut of flag football and squash, along with the thrilling return of cricket, baseball/softball, and lacrosse. And guess what? Lacrosse is making its comeback for the first time since 1908!

The Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 are also all about sustainability and green living. The Games will be eco-friendly by using existing venues like the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the SoFi Stadium. Plus, they’re going all out for the first “Energy Positive Games,” meaning they’re aiming to generate more energy than they use, all while staying committed to zero waste. It’s all part of their mission to create a greener, more sustainable future.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the future of Team USA’s women’s gymnastics teams at the Paris Olympics, LA 2028, and beyond, Kathy Johnson shared with EssentiallySports, “Our sport has grown and changed exponentially, and we are currently witnessing history in the making with Simone Biles poised to compete in her third Olympic Games after a decade of never losing an all-around competition that she completed.”As we eagerly anticipate witnessing modern-day history unfold at both Paris 2024 and LA28, what are your thoughts on Kathy Johnson’s reflections and words? Share your thoughts in the comments below!