by Alfonz Juck
Michael Johnson, photo by MichaelJohnsonperformance.com
Michael Johnson’s iconic moments happened in Atlanta 1996 and Sevilla 1999. In Atlanta, Michael Johnson won both the 200m and 400m. His World record in the 200m, 19.32, would not be broken until 2008 (Usain Bolt, 19.30 and again in 2009, 19.19). His 400m World record at 400m, 43.18, was set in 1999, not broken until 2016 by Wayde Van Niekerk, with his 43.03.
Michael Johnson has come out strong about the senseless murder of George Floyd and how those with a platform have a responsibilty to stand up.
WACO (USA): Following the death of George Floyd, legendary 200/400m runner Michael Johnson has said sportspeople should use their status to elicit societal change, informs Sky Sports. “I’ve been asked that question over years about whether athletes have a responsibility, or celebrities or prominent people should speak out on these issues. My position has always been if you feel you can help, and you are compelled to do so, then do so but no one should pressure other people into something they are not comfortable with. Today my position is completely different. If you are silent you are complicit. We are at that point. You have people out there, young people, old people, black people, white people, Asian, Hispanic, all different cultures and backgrounds, out there fighting, out there making sure this issue is being brought to prominence where everyone is paying attention to what is really happening in this country and how people are suffering. If you have a platform you owe it to those people, you owe it to those people whose lives have been lost,” he said.
Michael Johnson, photo by Wikipedia
