Carol Johnston – The One-Armed Gymnast

Carol Johnston was born with only one normal arm. Her other arm was missing below the right elbow. In spite of this, she became a gymnast, a collegiate conference balance beam champion, a collegiate National medalist and a collegiate All-American at Cal-State Fullerton.

Mandatory Viewing for All Gymnasts

I have all my gymnasts watch this movie. The movie was originally a Disney-produced TV special that aired 10/22/1980 on NBC. The film is a documentary of her becoming an NCAA Champion and Gymnastics All-American while competing for Cal State Fullerton. Ronald Reagan was a host, narrator and an interviewer for part of this documentary.

Collegiate Champion

Carol originally trained at the Altadore Gymnastics Club in Calgary, Canada.
In her freshman competition season, she was the 1977 conference beam champion. In her sophomore year, she again was the conference beam champion and 3rd on floor exercise at the 1978 conference championships. At the 1978 NCAA Championships in Seattle, Washington, Carole placed second on beam and floor and earned All-American honors.

Lefty – A Gymnastics Movie about Carol Johnston – Part 1

Lefty – A Gymnastics Movie about Carol Johnston – Part 2

Lefty – A Gymnastics Movie about Carol Johnston – Part 3

Lefty – A Gymnastics Movie about Carol Johnston – Part 4

Lefty – A Gymnastics Movie about Carol Johnston – Part 5

Cast and Crew

Stars

Robert Cummings – Host/Narrator/Interviewer
Gary Owens – Announcer (1979-1981)
Dick Wesson – Announcer (October 1954-January 1979)
Ronald Reagan – Host/Narrator/Interviewer
Mark Elliot – Announcer (1981-1983)
Art Linkletter – Host/Interviewer/Narrator
Walt Disney Host (1954-1966)
Rex Allen – Announcer

Guest Cast: Carol Johnson as Herself

Writers

Gina Rester Writer

Directors

James E. Thompson Director

Music

Frank Denson Music

Camera Operators

William Moffitt Camera Operator
Wayne Threm – Camera Operator
Don Cirillo – Camera Operator
Kevin O’Brien – Camera Operator
Michael Scott – Camera Operator