Michael Johnson recalls a disappointing setback due to food poisoning during the 1992 Olympics, affecting his performance in the 200-meters
Before Usain Bolt rose to prominence, the world of track and field was dominated by Michael Johnson, a sprinter who dazzled the athletics scene with his speed and charisma.
Johnson, who captured four Olympic gold medals across three different Games, recently spoke about what he considers the most disappointing moment in his illustrious career.
10:30 - 23.07.2024
Yohan Blake responds to negative comments after slamming Jamaica for abandoning him
In his latest video Blake has reacted to criticism after expressing frustration over lack of support from Jamaica.
The incident in question traces back to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a time when Johnson was at the pinnacle of his form.
Fresh off a gold medal win at the 1991 World Championship in Tokyo, Johnson was the favorite to clinch the 200-meter race at the upcoming Olympics.
13:00 - 23.07.2024
Keely Hodgkinson reveals a serious impact Mary Moraa has made on her road to Paris 2024 Olympics
Keely Hodgkinson discusses lessons from her loss to Mary Moraa as he aims for gold at the Paris Olympics.
However, an unforeseen bout of food poisoning just days before his first race jeopardized his chances.
“I had gotten food poisoning. So I was world champion, ranked number one in the world for two years, undefeated, and you know, a huge favorite to win the 200 meters at the Olympics,” Johnson recalled on High Performance podcast.
His condition arose shortly after a near world-record performance at the Olympic trials, where he had felt in the best shape of his life.
“It was about or so before I was competing," Johnson explained.
17:26 - 22.07.2024
American sprint sensation joins Shericka Jackson in race for Flo Jo's 200m world record
Shericka Jackson's serial American rival has joined the chat in the hunt for Flo Jo's 200m world record at the Olympic Games.
During this period, athletes typically reduce the intensity of their training to fine-tune their performance, a phase known as tapering.
"You’re in a taper mode where you’re basically just working on starts and very technical things,” he added.
When the Olympic races began, Johnson thought he had recovered, feeling fine at the starting blocks.
14:39 - 22.07.2024
Akani Simbine shares impact of his performance at London Diamond League ahead of Olympics
Akani Simbine has explained what his second-place finish behind Noah Lyles at the London Diamond League Meeting means to him with less than two weeks to the Olympic Games.
However, the reality of his condition became apparent as soon as the race started.
“Usually in a first round, I can just sort of run the first 100 meters of that 200 meters and I'm just kind of out," he said.
But this time, he found himself struggling unexpectedly, feeling as if he were "running in someone else’s body."
Despite winning his initial heat, the effort took a severe toll on him.
“I’m extremely weak and it takes everything. I win that race but just barely, and it took everything in me, and I knew immediately something's wrong,” he said.
His performance deteriorated further in the subsequent rounds and he ultimately failed to make the final.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Johnson described the experience as both disappointing and embarrassing.
“I knew of athletes who were world record holders, world champions that had the butt. That’s the one thing missing at that point," he lamented.
The Olympic gold in the 200-meters, which many had anticipated would be a mere formality for Johnson, remained elusive.
09:09 - 22.07.2024
Did Yohan Blake not listen to Usain Bolt’s advice? Video resurfaces explaining how Jamaican sprinter lost direction
Yohan Blake slammed Jamaica fans for not showing him respect on Sunday but it is now turning out that Usain Bolt warned him of trouble ahead five years ago.
Johnson's resilience, however, is as legendary as his speed as he returned to win golds in later Olympics, including a memorable double victory in the 200 and 400 meters at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Yet, the sting of Barcelona remains a significant chapter in his career.
Looking back, Johnson appreciates the rarity of Olympic opportunities.
“One thing you know as an Olympic athlete, because the Olympics is every four years, not every year, you may never get back there. Most people make it to one Olympics. I was fortunate to go to three, but that’s rare,” he reflected.
Through his trials and triumphs Johnson's legacy as a sprinter continues to inspire athletes around the world.
06:48 - 22.07.2024
Shamier Little's 400 meters hurdles London Diamond League triumph raises eyebrows ahead of Paris Olympics
The American athlete Shamier Little set a season best in the 400m hurdles voicing excitement and determination for Paris Olympics.
His story is a poignant reminder of how even the greatest champions can face hurdles that test their spirit and resolve.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.