Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is an American retired sprinter, born on September 13, 1967, in Dallas, Texas. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of track and field. Johnson began his professional career in athletics in 1986 and quickly rose to prominence due to his unique running style and unprecedented speed.

Johnson is known for his remarkable speed, stamina, and strength. His accomplishments include winning multiple Olympic gold medals and setting several world records. He was the first man to win both the 200 and 400 meters at the same Olympics in Atlanta 1996.

Off the track, Johnson is also recognized for his contributions to sports broadcasting and his philanthropic efforts, including his Michael Johnson Foundation which supports young athletes.

Early Career

• Johnson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Skyline High School and Baylor University, where he competed in track and field. He made his professional debut in 1986 and quickly made a name for himself with his unique running style and exceptional speed.

Olympic Career

• Johnson made his Olympic debut at the 1992 Barcelona Games, winning gold in the 4x400m relay. His most significant achievement came at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where he became the first man to win both the 200m and 400m races, setting a world record in the 200m. In 2000, he defended his 400m title at the Sydney Olympics.

Late Career and Retirement

• Johnson retired from competitive racing in 2000. Since his retirement, he has been actively involved in sports broadcasting and is a regular commentator for the BBC. He also established the Michael Johnson Performance Center, which provides training and development programs for athletes.

USA National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for the USA National Team in 1986.

Achievements:

• Olympic Gold Medals: Four in total - Two in 400m (1996, 2000), one in 200m (1996), and one in 4x400m relay (1992).
• World Championships: Eight gold medals across 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay events.
• Johnson is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of track and field.

• Events: Specialized in 200m and 400m races.
• Skills: Known for his unique upright running style, exceptional speed, and stamina. Johnson was celebrated for his consistency, mental strength, and strategic approach to races.

• Family: Johnson is married to Armine Shamiryan and has a son, Sebastian.
• Philanthropy: Johnson founded the Michael Johnson Foundation, which supports young athletes, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He is also involved in various other charitable activities.

• Michael Johnson is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work ethic, determination, and contributions to athletics. His unique running style and dominance in the 200m and 400m events have made him an icon in track and field, inspiring millions of aspiring athletes around the world.

World Records:

• 200m: Set a world record of 19.32 seconds at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
• 400m: Set a world record of 43.18 seconds at the 1999 World Championships in Seville.

Olympic Gold Medals:

• Four Olympic gold medals in 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay events.

Books

• Johnson, M. (2011) Gold Rush: What Makes An Olympic Champion? London: HarperSport.
• Johnson, M. (2012) Slaying the Dragon: How to Turn Your Small Steps to Great Feats. New York: HarperCollins.

Websites

• Olympic.org: Information about Michael Johnson’s Olympic career and achievements. Available at: https://www.olympic.org
• IAAF: Details about Johnson’s career in athletics. Available at: https://www.iaaf.org

Articles

• ESPN: Michael Johnson: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer/trackandfield/athletes/_/id/271/michael-johnson

Interviews and Documentaries

• Michael Johnson: Survival of the Fastest (2012): This documentary explores the dominance of African-American and Afro-Caribbean sprinters in athletics.
• BBC Sport Interviews: Various interviews and features on Michael Johnson, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport