Michael Johnson is considered the greatest sprinter of all time. He holds the world record in the 200m and 400m distances. During his career, Johnson won 8 Olympic gold medals between 1991 and 1999. He set numerous records and was the only sprinter to hold both the 200m and 400m world records simultaneously. After retiring from track in 2001, Johnson has worked as a sports consultant and television commentator.

1. Michael Duane Johnson
“Greatest Sprinter Of All Time”
Born: September 13, 1967(age 47),
Dallas,TX

2. Athletic Background
●Michael Johnson is a former Baylor bears(Alumni) who graduated in 1990.
●Ran for Baylor in 1987 through 1990 holding school records of six events.
●Greatest all-around sprinter of all time.
●Only sprinter to ever be ranked #1 in the world 1995)
●Only sprinter to ever break 20 seconds in the 200 and 44 seconds for the 400(1996 Olympics:
19.32,1999 World Champions:43.18).
●Inducted in the Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2004.

3. Athletic Background Continued...
● Only sprinter to win 200 & 400 at World Championship(200 in 1991 & 400 in 1993 & 1997.Also won both events in 1995 World
Championships along with a third gold in the 4x400.
● In Atlanta he was the first sprinter in history to win 200 and 400 at the Olympics setting a world record in the 200 and Olympic record
in the 400.
● Ran the fastest 4x400 relay leg ever with a time of 42.94 with a USA world record at 2:54:29 at the 1993 World Championships.
However, that record had been erased from Track & Field history because his former teammate Antonio Pettigrew(died by suicide) took
performance substances.
● First 400-meter runner to break 45 seconds indoors with a time of 44.97 in the state of Nevada, then three weeks later he broke it with a
time of 44.63.
● In Seville,Spain he set the world record for the 400meters with a time of 43.18 at the 199 World Championships.
● Has the most medals by any athlete with a total of 9 gold medals.

4. Instrumental Influences
● Jesse Owens was one of Michael Johnson's influence because Jesse Owens overcame so many hardships as a black male sprinter.
● Jesse Owens would race horses at the end of his career as a sprinter for entertainment of others who shun him because of his ethnic
background, according Michael Johnson in a YouTube video called “Worlds Fastest Men.”
● Jesse Owens became one of the world's most famous athletes at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Adolf Hitler wanted to use these Olympic
Games to show the superiority of 'Aryan' people. Jesse Owens had other plans.
● Friends,Family,Team(USA).” I've found that the support from my friends and family—my team—helps me stay motivated, challenged
and inspired. The Olympics is a perfect starting point for building up your team of support and making small steps to a healthier
lifestyle, together.”

5. What Would You Do Differently?
● Inconsideration after focusing on his successes, Michael Johnson would
certainly enjoy life if he decided to do it differently. But unfortunately,
track and field was a great path that led him to his success
● These days he is a man who really knows how to enjoy life. “My life is
pretty good. I’m on vacation every three weeks. In the evening I get to sit
here with this view” – he sweeps a hand toward the well-manicured
garden outside the French doors and the bay beyond – “and I have a glass
of wine with my wife and have friends over. It’s a great life, I love to play
and I play very hard. I work hard too.”

6. Advice To Those Following His Footsteps
● Drink more water - “I don't like water so I mix it up and drink sparkling water as well as flat water and set myself a daily quota.”
● Do some exercise at least 4 days per week - “I have a busy schedule so I plan what days I will exercise each week based on my
schedule.”
● Eat a balanced diet and monitor your food intake weekly - “I limit how often I eat non-healthy foods, but after eating not so healthy
foods, I will balance that with healthy ones. Eating healthy all the time is difficult and usually leads to giving up. Balance and constant
awareness of what you're putting in your body is key.”
● Find an active recreational activity to get the benefit of exercise while enjoying yourself - “Mine is mountain biking.”
● Use technology to help track your exercise and activity - “There are many products now that help you track your calories burned,
steps taken throughout the day, etc. These tools help you with your goals and let you know when you're slacking off.”

7. Best thing About Career
● Set records after records (400m & 200m) with plenty expectations.
● Since retiring in 2001, he has started his own sports consulting company, provides television commentary
and writes a regular newspaper column. Jeremy Wariner also selected Johnson as his agent after turning pro.
● Johnson thoroughly enjoys the wealth that his success has bought him. “From as young as I can remember,
this is the life I always wanted. I wanted to have the luxury of having really nice fast cars – I have a couple
of McLarens and a Porsche and…” he stops himself, perhaps thinking he has said enough.

8. Greatest Challenges
● “I work hard to improve myself as a person – as a father, as a husband, as a manager.
● Challenging athletes in all around sport at the Michael Johnson Performance- Athletic
Training Center in Dallas, TX.
● Michael Johnson was the youngest of five children, his parents(a truck driver and school
teacher set high standards but encouraged their children to follow their own path.“My dad
taught me that the more you put into something, the better the result. I have a lot of similar
personality traits to my dad. He is a hard, demanding, no-nonsense person, my mother is
much more compassionate. But when she’s not happy with you, whew, I’d much rather be
dealing with my father at that point because she just does not hold back.”

9. Source
● http://www.baylorbears.com/sports/c-track/mtt/michael_johnson_65873.html
● http://www.clevelandseniors.com/forever/photoquiz58.htm
● http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/athletics/9378922/Michael-Johnson-● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcDE9WakiXU
● http://www.mensfitness.com/training/endurance/olympian-michael-johnson-go-