“One of my proudest achievements” - Michael Johnson recalls on defending his 400m title at the Sydney Olympics despite being injured at U.S trials

Michael Johnson is one of the most successful sprinters of all time, having claimed 8 World Championships and four Olympic golds in his lengthy career. Recently, the American recounted the story of how he won his 2000 Sydney Games 400m title, despite being injured just two months prior.

As the defending World and Olympic champion in the 400m and 200m, Johnson was a favorite for the win in both races at the Sydney Games. However, while competing at the U.S. Olympic Trials, the American pulled his hamstring in the 200m final and was subsequently unable to qualify for the team in the distance. The 400m trials had been held prior to this race, and Johnson had already qualified in that distance, giving him a chance to make it to his third consecutive Olympics.

Despite the injury, Michael Johnson went on to successfully defend his 400m title and win gold in Sydney, ending his career on a high note. Recently, a fan account on X shared a video of the 2000 Olympics 400m final, and the American responded to the video by recounting the story of how he got his win. Johnson wrote,

“Not my normal 43 low standard but one of my proudest achievements. Injured in the 200 at US Trials, I spent two months rehabbing and trying to maintain fitness. No races to prepare. I pulled out the win based purely on experience. And finished my career with all gold medals.”

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Michael Johnson on giving back to the track

Michael Johnson in creating Grand Slam Track (Image Source: Getty)

Since his retirement in 2001, Michael Johnson has stayed closely involved with the world of track and field. He has worked as a commentator with BBC for many major events and recently unveiled ‘Grand Slam Track’. Speaking on creating GST, Johnson said the inspiration came from wanting to give back to the world of track,

“I've always stayed close to the sport, I owe everything that I have to this sport, and I've always wanted to be in a position to help these athletes. And as an entrepreneur, an investor myself, I decided to invest in my own sport. And so I started Grand Slam Track, and we launch next year, 2025 will be our first season.”

The first season of Grand Slam Track will take place between April and September 2025. The league promises the biggest purse that the sport has ever seen, and is set to feature some of the biggest names of the sport. Athletes confirmed to be racing at the GST next year include Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Masai Russell, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, and more.