Overview

Michael Johnson is an iconic American sprinter renowned for his dominance in the 200 meters and 400 meters events. Born on September 13, 1967, in Dallas, Texas, Johnson’s career is distinguished by his powerful running style and remarkable achievements on the track. He won four Olympic gold medals: one in the 4x400 meter relay at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, two individual golds in the 200 meters and 400 meters at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and another in the 400 meters at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Johnson was the first man in history to win both the 200 meters and 400 meters at the same Olympics, a feat he accomplished in 1996.

Johnson also achieved great success at the World Championships, securing eight gold medals across different events. He set world records in the 200 meters (19.32 seconds) and the 400 meters (43.18 seconds), the latter of which stood for 17 years. Known for his upright running style and quick, short strides, Johnson dominated his events, holding the world record for the 400 meters until 2016.

Post-retirement, Johnson has become a prominent television commentator and analyst, as well as a motivational speaker. He runs the Michael Johnson Performance Center, which offers training and fitness programs for athletes. His contributions to the sport extend beyond his athletic achievements, as he remains a respected figure in the athletics community and a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy.