“This is the greatest era of personalities I've seen since the 90s”-Michael Johnson enters discussion about no entertaining athletes in the new era

Michael Johnson is a track and field legend and has continued to stay involved with the sport even after his retirement. The American often discusses issues like the fading popularity of the sport and the work that needs to be done to revive it.

Despite showcasing nearly inhumane feats of athleticism constantly, track and field as a sport has continued to see a gradual decline in viewers and audiences over the years. While Usain Bolt and his electrifying performances and personality brought a slight reprieve, things have gone back to the way they were since his retirement.

Many a time, fans allege that a lack of dynamic personalities in the current world of athletics is the reason for this dying popularity. However, Michael Johnson has been a staunch advocate against this theory, pointing out that the likes of Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson are some of the most entertaining sportspeople to watch, on and off the field.

Most recently, Johnson took to X to post a picture of Grant Holloway’s spirited celebration of his win at the Adidas Atlantic City Games, writing:

“But I still keep hearing “We need more personalities in track and field.” Grant Holloway is all personality!”

He even shared a video of Tara Davis-Woodhall celebrating her 7m long jump by posing as if she were meditating, captioning it,

“Another response to the people still saying “But we need more personalities in track and field!” Stop it! This is the greatest era of personalities I’ve seen since the 90’s!”

In the past, Michael Johnson has defended track and field’s biggest stars against a reporter who claimed that the current athletes couldn't mirror the personality of the likes of Johnson, Carl Lewis, and Usain Bolt.

“Reporter just said “track & field lacks personalities like Bolt, Carl, and you.” My personality wasn’t nearly as exciting as Noah, Sha’Carri, Shelley-Ann, Karston, or Jakob. There isn’t a lack of personalities. Problem is the sport is no longer a platform for great personalities,” he wrote on X.

Back in 2023, the American had also labeled Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson as two of the most dynamic individuals in track and field after their victory at the Budapest World Athletics Championships.

"There can be no more complaints or excuses that track 'needs more personalities' Two of the most dynamic individuals in the sport are now the world’s fastest!,” he wrote.

Michael Johnson thinks track is in good hands

Meanwhile, as Michael Johnson continues to campaign for better coverage and platforms for athletes, he remains confident that the sport is in good hands with the current stars as well as promising up-and-comers.

Taking to X, he disclosed the list of athletes he thinks will carry the sport on their back for the next few years.

“Track is in pretty good hands the next few years! Now: Noah, Sydney, Sha’Carri, Karston, Shericka, Grant, Athing, Faith, Jakob. Next: Letsile, Rhasidat, Julian, Erryon, Yared. Who am I missing?”

Michael Johnson himself was an incredible athlete in his competitive career. He won eight World Championships and four Olympic golds and held the world records for the 200m, 300m, as well as 400m sprints.