Michael Johnson: The Truth Behind 4 Olympic Golds, Doping & Team USA

Four-time Olympic Champion Michael Johnson joins us on High Performance to explore the mindset and strategies that propelled him to extraordinary record-breaking athletics success.

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Known for his electrifying running style, Michael Johnson made history at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics by becoming the first man to win both the 200 and 400 metres at the same games. In this episode, Michael talks about the importance of having a strong support system and staying grounded in reality.

Michael recounts difficult decisions he faced in his career, including his choice to return a relay gold medal tainted by doping allegations, showcasing his commitment to integrity and fairness in athletics. He also opens up about recently facing a life-threatening stroke, sharing the debilitating impact on his body and his incredible road to recovery.

Michael goes on to share his journey of overcoming self-doubt, the lessons learned from his family and coaches, and his approach to handling pressure and setbacks. He reveals new insights from his experiences on the track, the intricacies of racing, and the mental strategies that helped him become one of the world’s fastest men.

Throughout the episode, Michael underscores the resilience, integrity, and balance necessary to excel in sport and life, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a legendary athlete who’s navigated both triumph and adversity.

0:00 Introduction
1:06 What Is High Performance?
4:40 Why Should You Believe In Yourself?
8:34 Picking The Right People
13:53 Mental VS Physical
19:39 Visualising The Race
25:32 Olympic Food Poisoning
32:19 Brutally Realistic
38:06 PEDs & Doping
43:25 Recovering From a Stroke
56:49 Secrets To Handling Stress
1:01:52 Quick-Fire Questions

#HighPerformance #MichaelJohnson #TeamUSA #Olympics #Paris2024

[joncamilleri]

MJ is an absolute legend, I grew up watching him absolutely demolish the competion. In a way that may never be repeated. The GOAT.

[garyhollywood]

You sometimes hear athletes say "I know I deserved better!". But Michael has given me a great gift in his quote "Success doesn't care what you think you deserve!"

[stevocaspo]

This guy is a fantastic interviewer, because he allows Michael to talk without interruption.

And Michael articulates himself really well

[cdawg_sf]

MJ did a magnificent job with the Olympic coverage for the BBC. So insightful and lots of passion. Can listen to him for hours.

[theleadershipproject]

Michael Johnson is the walking (and running) embodiment of resilience, ethics, and values. His ethics in giving back that medal are a lesson for us all. His resilience is from his ability to let go of things that were not in his control and focus on what was in his control. Further compounded with bounding back from a stroke. Trauma and bad luck do not discriminate. Bad things happen to good people all the time. The difference in high performers is how they bounce back from those setbacks. What a champion of a person, let alone an athlete.

[unknown-lfzx]

I remember his gold spikes and all the flashes around the Olympic stadium! So special!

[Mad_Intellect]

Not really into track and field, but I would always watch this dude, he had such a distinct and iconic running style.

[ptypty]

It's been wonderful seeing Mr Johnson again, thank you for getting him on board this conversation.

[icecreamdooky]

Growing up I just remember him being the best at running - today I learnt he’s an absolute legend and deserved every medal. Exceptional recovery from a stroke - fair play and fantastic episode!

[martinlawrence]

Inspiring as an athlete and a stroke victim, but most of all as an extraordinary person!

[murrayivan]

What a great interview. I never knew Michael Johnson was so articulate. Every answer he gave showed his honesty and humility. Well done.

[theoutsider]

Michael Johnson is certainly one of the nicest people in elite level sports. An articulate and thoughtful man, with integrity. On top of that one of the best athletes of all time because of the effort he put in on top of his physical gifts.

[kevinbailey]

A wonderful commentator on Athletics, as elegant off the track as he was on it.

His innate intelligence, and in credible determination allowed a remarkable recovery from a serious stroke.

Admired and respected throughout the world, and rightly so

[unconventionalcrosy]

I am jamaican but this man was my idol long before bolt an company as a teenager I was in awe watching this man running on my TV. His awkward but effective running style had me in awe

[russellnewton]

Hope to see Michael commentating at the Olympics for the BBC. What an athlete and as I have had a stroke in the past like Michael, look how great he is. Top man.

[stevo-uurc]

What can you say about this man?
I loved the Olympic Games 20 years before he appeared.
Most definitely one of the best athletes ever.

Absolutely outstanding as a person....

[Mozndon]

Loved this man as an athlete. One of my all time favourites. However, I've never come across a more articulate spotsman bar Ali. So articulate, straight talking and insightful. The BBC has been very lucky to retain his services at the major events, surrounded by mediocre pundits (decent athletes mind). Thank you Michael, always watch and listen.

[davidseanatkinson]

I remember meeting MJ in a bar in DFW area one night. Nicest guy and it was absolutely thrilling to shake his hand. A real good person.

[seansouth]

The way he carried himself in races - straight up posture with that golden chain, I always pictured him as cocky and arrogant but I was so wrong to think that. He is a number, self-effacing and brilliant man. could listen to him all day.

[theNfl_Esq]

He was the most beautiful sprinter I’d ever seen. The WR he got in ‘96 when he smashed his own record was epic