Michael Johnson names 4 sprinters who would make it to his Mount Rushmore ft. Usain Bolt

Michael Johnson, the retired track and field legend, picked his pick for his Mt. Rushmore. He named Jesse Owens, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Usain Bolt, and Gail Devers, who relevantly impacted him the most to get added to the Olympian's top list.

Johnson, 56, had set the Olympiads ablaze with his phenomenal speed. The 1996 Atlanta Games earned him gold in the 200m and 400m. He repeated the latter feat at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

But the eight-time World champion's soul connection with the track drew him back even after he retired in 2008. His post-retirement accomplishments stand as tall as his wins during his active years. Often working for the BBC as a sports commentator, Michael Johnson is well known for his analytical takes on track and field. He wrote for The Times and the Daily Telegraph as well.

The former world and Olympic record holder in 200m and 400m was one of the Olympic torch bearers at the 2012 London Olympics, the same where Usain Bolt won three golds in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.

In a recent interview at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic, Michael Johnson named him alongside other track greats as his Mt. Rushmore choices.

Denise Spann, a former Michigan University track athlete, caught Johnson to hear him pick the most promising athletic names according to him. In an X post by Spann, the 56-year-old named Jesse Owens, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Usain Bolt, and Gail Devers as the people who left a legacy.

"You came up with the hard question, right out of the box," said Johnson when Spann asked about his four all-time greats.

"Jesse Owens, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Usain Bolt, and Gail Devers," Johnson picked.

Jesse Owens, the four-time Olympic gold medalist at the 1936 Summer Games, was once considered the greatest track and field athlete.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee specialized in the heptathlon and long jump and earned a name in the all-time greatest list.

Usain Bolt is the fastest man living with world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.

Gail Devers, the 60m and 100m specialist, defended the 100m as the second woman in history.

"Working to change the game for athletes and fans!" - Michael Johnson on his new track league starting in 2025

Michael Johnson accumulated $30 million from investors to change the prospects of the track world. Through fan-focussed story-telling, the sporting personalities will be promoted through agencies appointed by Michael Johnson. In the coming June, days before the 2024 Paris Olympics, the details of the league will be announced.

Taking to X, the Olympian announced his new venture, which will be in favor of both athletes and fans.

"Working to change the game for athletes and fans! League details coming this June."

With 61 days left for the Paris Olympics, Johnson is in anticipation to watch the athletes in adrenaline-fuelled action.