A truly phenomenal career which threw him into the limelight, Michael Johnson has capitalised on this success as an athlete and forged a successful post-professional career as an Olympic speaker specialising in after-dinner events; Johnson is also heavily involved with BBC Sports coverage, having played an integral role within the successful broadcasting of the London 2012 Olympic Games. President and founder of Michael Johnson Performance, he is a leader in Athletic Development.
Claiming World and Olympic success at the 200 meters, 400 meters and 4 x 400 meters relay, Michael Johnson enjoyed most of his success during the 1990s where he competed and won gold medals at the Olympics in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney. Described as America’s Fastest Man Michael Johnson finished his career at the 2000 Sydney Games, winning gold in the 400 meters.
During his illustrious career, Johnson set world and Olympic records at both the 200m and 400m, as well the 400m indoors. In 1996, he ran at an astonishing 23mph during his historic 200m performance and in doing so set a then-world record of 19.32 seconds. In 1999, he added the 400m world best, recording a staggering 43.18 seconds a record that stood for 17 years, securing his place in history. Such is his dominance at 400m, Johnson holds 14 of the top 25 times in history, a truly remarkable feat.
Now an accomplished sports speaker, Michael Johnson is a fundamental member of BBC's sports coverage, specifically across athletics. An accomplished Olympic speaker Michael Johnson offers a clear yet detailed insight into the world of athletics, offering punditry and commentary on some of the most high profile moments within track and field events. Away from his media commitments, Michael Johnson has undertaken to help nurture the next generation of athletes by founding Michael Johnson Performance and Ultimate Performance - an agency company aimed at track and field athletes.
Knowledgeable across a vast multitude of different aspects surrounding athletics, Michael Johnson has also earned a reputation as an honest and reputable sportsman; after it was discovered that one of his teammates within the 4 x 400m relay gold medal-winning team at the 2000 Olympics had taken performance-enhancing drugs, Johnson voluntarily relinquished his medal despite him not personally undertaking any wrong-doing.
A role model to all young sportsmen and women, Michael Johnson’s values and honesty as an athlete are an inspiration, making Johnson a fond favourite of many to deliver as a sports speaker at events and conferences. A phenomenal athlete, an accomplished pundit and commentator and now a recognised Olympic speaker, Michael Johnson is perfectly equipped to speak at any event, occasion or conference.
