Sussex windsurfer Christine Johnston has revealed how she almost quit the sport less than three months after becoming world champion.

Life could not have been better for Johnston last October when she claimed the Formula Class world title in Germany.

But the lack of financial reward and recognition for her achievement made her question whether the sacrifices were worthwhile.

Johnson, 28, who lives in Brighton, said: "I seriously considered retiring for money reasons and because more opportunities didn't open up for me after winning the world title.

"I was so satisfied at becoming world champion that I thought I could retire and be happy.

"I put myself under a lot of pressure to win the worlds. I was prepared physically and mentally determined and focused. I'd convinced myself I would be world champion."

But after much mental anguish, Johnston has decided to carry on at the thing she does best.

She said: "There wasn't one thing that triggered a change of heart. My situation is pretty much the same. It was just a case of second thoughts. People say I'm driven and ambitious.

"Despite everything, I wanted to go through it all again and, hopefully, go for the Olympics in Beijing."

To give herself the best chance, Johnston knows she must present herself as a personality and find sponsorship worth £30,000 a year.

A deal like that would smooth her path to glory when she defends her world title in Spain later this year.

She will also hope to impress the Olympic Committee, who meet at the end of this year to decide whether to include Johnston's Formula Class at the 2008 Games in China.

Johnston said: "About £30,000 a year would allow me to prepare properly and compete where I need to, otherwise I have to win every event just to break even.

"It is frustrating because I can't pursue my sport to the best of my ability because my financial situation is dire.

"I suppose you could argue I haven't worked hard enough to get a sponsor. If you present a good image it definitely helps.

"At the worlds, I noticed what some of the girls did every time they went down to the beach. They had cool shades, beany hats and their hair done. They looked all right and then there's me.

"I didn't really consider looking good on the beach a priority. I looked a mess because I was so focused on what I was doing I didn't care what I looked like.

"Unfortunately, the media don't understand that and took photos of us all!"

Johnston, who competed at the Sydney Olympics, believes she is learning about self-promotion. She has set up a website and is looking for a public relations firm to help build her profile.

She said: "I need contacts to get me sponsorship. I came from a results-orientated funding system that helped get me to Sydney.

"I struggled through last year without it and feel I've got to find more ways to get enough backing to give me the best chance of doing something."

Johnston's obsession with windsurfing has taken her to Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand to compete.

She said: "It is a big passion. I first started at 12 when my dad got me interested. I also tried tennis but windsurfing is much more addictive.

"You go so fast, it is such an adrenalin rush. You never get bored and I love racing, the tactics and outpsyching opponents.

"I enjoy the lifestyle. Some competitors aren't as serious as me and I don't party with them before I compete.

"You have to make sacrifices, particularly if you are up early the next morning."

And, of course, there's the new Olympic dream.

"People say it is a once in a lifetime thing and it was pretty cool being part of Britain's sailing team in Sydney, even though I thought I did rubbish (16th).

"I want to experience the Games again in a class that suits me better. I struggled to be light enough for the Olympic Class.

"If I make a big enough impression this year I hope it will influence the Olympic Committee to introduce the Formula Class for China. I'd stand a medal chance."

Johnston, who also plays rugby for Hove Ladies, doesn't want to harp on about the lack of support she receives but accepts what is needed in the real world.

A sponsor would help ease the costs of a trip to Hawaii where she needs to practice She works as an office temp and does not earn enough to fund such a trip.

That would at least maintain her motivation to be the best at her chosen sport and make a change from training on the Sussex beaches and gym work at Dragons (Hove).

She said: "I've never been to Hawaii but I know the waves are consistent and that makes it a superb place to practice."