Paris 2024 revisits the infamous 1988 Olympics 100m sprint, exploring where the controversial and heroic runners are now.
Paris 2024 has come and gone but it pales in comparison to the enduring legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics’ 100-meter sprint, famously dubbed "The Dirtiest Race in History."
As the world looks back, the shadows cast by that infamous day remain long, touching the lives of the competitors involved, from notorious drug cheats to British sporting heroes.
19:30 - 14.08.2024
REVEALED:The worrying reason Kishane Thompson nearly pulled out of running the Olympic 100m final moments after dominating semis
Thompson's coach Paul Francis has made a worrying revelation on his protege, revealing why he nearly pulled out of the final which he eventually won the silver.
Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who originally won the gold in a record-breaking 9.79 seconds, stands out as the most infamous athlete of the group.
According to Mirror, triumph turned scandal after testing positive for steroids, Johnson was stripped of his medal and faced a long battle with his tarnished reputation.
13:31 - 15.08.2024
Top 5 world-leading women 100m sprinters in 2024 after Paris Olympics
Five of the world’s fastest women sprinters who have dominated the 2024 season delivering historic performances and shaping the future of track and field.
Today, Johnson has turned a corner from his notorious past; he now resides in Canada where he trains budding athletes, seeking redemption by guiding the next generation away from the mistakes of his past.
Johnson also ventured into business briefly, launching a clothing line and penning an autobiography detailing his side of the story.
His attempts at celebrity even included a stint as a personal trainer to football legend Diego Maradona and a brief controversial connection with the son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 1999.
Across the Atlantic, Britain's Linford Christie, who was elevated from silver to gold in the aftermath of Seoul, carved out a substantial legacy for himself both on and off the track.
Christie clinched the 100m gold at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and continued to set records, holding the British 100m record for three decades.
His career post-competition has been a mix of coaching, presenting, and even a stint on the reality TV show 'I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'. Despite facing his own doping controversies, Christie remains a celebrated figure in British athletics.
14:30 - 14.08.2024
Top 5 world-leading 100m sprinters in 2024 after Paris Olympics
Paris Olympics 2024 highlighted top sprinters showcasing dramatic races and new records in the 100m by athletes from varied nations.
The American star Carl Lewis, who was awarded the gold following Johnson's disqualification, had a storied career that did not end at Seoul.
Lewis accumulated nine Olympic gold medals and was named the "Sportsman of the Century" by the International Olympic Committee.
His transition from athletics saw him dabbling in acting and politics, though he eventually found his niche in coaching, currently leading the track and field team at the University of Houston.
15:00 - 17.08.2024
Noah Lyles details his struggle growing up in a cult and overcoming spiritual obstacles
American sprinter Noah Lyles discussed his challenging cult upbringing and its lasting impact on his family's faith and resilience.
The legacy of the Seoul Olympics' 100m dash extends beyond these three.
The other competitors have had varied destinies. Some managed to reclaim their integrity and succeed in other fields, while others remained haunted by the scandal.
The 1988 race not only reshaped their lives but also left an indelible mark on the history of Olympic sports, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of doping.