Exclusive: Victim Of Eating Disorder, Gymnastics Veteran Kathy Johnson Has No Regrets After Decades-Long Career

Kathy Johnson clinched Olympic bronze and silver at the 1984 games and put her name permanently on the gymnastics map. However, Kathy Johnson Clarke might have had an even better career, had certain variables worked differently for her. After retiring, Johnson took on the mantle of a television commentator.

During her visits to the dressing rooms, one thing she observed reminded her of her own experience as an athlete. Too many youngsters were concerned about getting fat. Looking at their worried faces, Johnson immediately remembered how she always shied away from eating proper foods. Such a practice resulted in the development of severe bodily complications and eating disorders for her.

Kathy Johnson recently sat down for an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports. While the discussion treaded through various paths, one major topic that came up was Johnson’s eating disorder. When the interviewer asked whether Johnson had any regrets and wished that her career would have turned out differently, the gymnastics icon had a neutral take on the matter. Johnson commented, “Though things certainly happened I would have preferred hadn’t I can’t say I have regrets or wish anything had been different.”

In the exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Johnson further explained that all of her struggles and complications have contributed to building her image. The veteran gymnast stated, “I am who I am because of all of it. The highs, lows, successes, failures, falling, getting back up, hurt, healing, building up, breaking down. I am grateful for all of it.”

After dealing with unfortunate circumstances during her career, Kathy Johnson always advocates for coaches and parents to take it easy. She advised them not to put unnecessary pressure on young gymnasts and let them not panic about their nutrition. Rightly so, because what Kathy Johnson went through was hell. 

Kathy Johnson details her struggles

Kathy Johnson shared how she wanted to have a perfect body and to attain her dream physique, she starved herself to extreme levels. On top of that, Kathy Johnson trained her body rigorously to maintain her body weight under 100 pounds. Naturally, her body revolted, and she did not have her first menstruation cycle until 25. Johnson was also diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia that only grew worse as she aged. 

Speaking about how she felt about gaining weight, Johnson stated, “Then, when I got older and put on weight, I, all of a sudden, couldn’t do some of things I did before. I panicked. I thought, ‘I’m too heavy. If I were lighter, I would be a better gymnast.” Thus, when Kathy Johnson does not regret her career choices, it feels like a welcome statement. It goes on to show how, without sulking and staying rooted in the past, one can move forward and change for the good.