Michael Johnson

Biography

Johnson, who is widely regarded as one of the best sprinters the world has ever seen is an expert in dealing with setbacks and achieving goals. At three separate Olympic Games, Johnson won gold medals in the 4 × 400m relay (1992 in Barcelona), the 200m and 400m (1996 in Atlanta) and the 400m (in 2000 in Sydney). It was at the same Sydney games, however, that he was eventually disqualified in the 4 × 400m relay and he voluntarily returned his gold medal. Johnson often discusses the heartbreak of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and how he dealt with being stripped of the gold medals.

The Olympic speaker’s record at the World Championships is nothing short of staggering. In 1991 Johnson won the gold medal in the 200m, in 1993 he won gold in the 400m and the 4 × 400m relay, in 1995 he won gold in all three race formats, and he won 400m gold medals in 1997 and 1999 (the year when he was also disqualified in the 4 x 400m relay). Quite clearly an extremely talented person, Johnson often touches on the drive and determination required to be an elite athlete and how you can adapt to different environments.

Johnson’s career since retiring from the track has seen him being used regularly as a commentator by the BBC and being entered into the United States Track and Field Hall of Fame. He also took part in a TV documentary which is said to have claimed that slavery helped to make black runners such great performers on the track. Most recently Michael was a commentator for BBC Sports was during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – hosting alongside presenter Gabby Logan, Denise Lewis and Jessica Ennis-Hill on the athletics. A truly outstanding career, Johnson now spends a lot of his time as a speaker where he reflects on his illustrious career but delves into vital business-related topics such as peak performance. Having worked as a commentator, Johnson has acquired the necessary skills to provide gripping speeches that are sure to motivate and inspire an audience.