CONFIDENT COACH

Qiao, who owns Chow's Gymnastics where Johnson trains, brought his pupil to the Karolyis' attention three years ago.

"I recall that I received a video from Shawn's coach...showing someone I might like to include in the training programme because someday she can make a contribution to the US team," Martha Karolyi told reporters.

"I said: 'Why this coach is pretty confident.' And here was this little, bouncy girl. I could see some potential. I told him, next training camp she's invited. The coach was right."

Johnson, with her pixie good looks and explosive power, has sparked excitement in others close to US gymnastics.

"She's powerful, she's graceful, she's fun to watch. She's got a bubbly personality," said 1984 Olympic all-round champion Mary Lou Retton.

"I think the magical part of gymnastics, the people that truly exemplify our sport, are the ones that make gymnastics look fun. Because what we're out there doing is not fun.

"It is so hard to make it look easy and fun and she's got that ability. I don't know if that's a taught ability, I think you have to have it and she's got it."

Shannon Miller, a member of the 1996 team that became the first US women's gymnastics squad to capture Olympic gold, praised Johnson's "mix of power and grace."

"You can be a powerful gymnast and not be top in the world. You can be a graceful gymnast and not be top in the world," Miller said. "You have to have that combination of the two.

"I think she has that and the crowd loves her. She's actually out there having fun. She's enjoying it and that comes through from the inside out. It's a breath of fresh air."