US Olympic Legend Michael Johnson Reveals How a Sudden ‘Food Poisoning’ Case Ruined His Hopes at Barcelona 1992
Follow Us
Before Usain Bolt rose to prominence, the athletics world saw Michael Johnson dominate the track competitions remarkably. The sprinter won four gold medals in three different Olympic Games and continued his reign in the field for over a decade.
However, while heading into the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the sprinter did not win his signature 200-meters race. It was reported that he got food poisoning from a restaurant in Spain, which tampered with his hopes of winning gold in that race. He also opened up on the mental stress that followed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Johnson had food poisoning
The young talented sprinter was in the form of his life, heading to Barcelona. Notably, the 1991 World Championship in Tokyo saw his arrival at the big stage as he won the gold medal in the 200-meters race. However, things went down south soon after, as the sprinter revealed the problems he had with food poisoning.
“In my early 20s in 1992, I was the world champion. I was on top of the sport, two years undefeated, a heavy favorite to win that Olympics and that 200-meters. Then I got food poisoning right before the games. I didn’t think that the food poisoning illness had affected me to a point where I wasn’t going to be able to compete as normally as I do.”
Trending
Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized Possession That Forced Relocation Move
April 17, 2024 12:29 PM EDT
Restricted by NFL Contract, Simone Biles Reveals if Jonathan Owens Will Attend Paris Olympics 2024
April 17, 2024 09:03 PM EDT
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Kevin Harvick Reveals His Deliberately Reckless Move to See Out $228 Billion Sponsor
April 18, 2024 09:25 PM EDT
Silencing Nike Chaos, Sha’Carri Richardson’s Historic Move With Sprite Puts Her in 96-Year-Old Inner Circle for Olympics
April 18, 2024 10:20 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I didn’t realize that until the first round of the 200-meters. When the gun goes off and I start running and I don’t feel like myself. I feel like I am running in someone else’s body,” said Johnson.
This caused a lot of pain for the talented sprinter, as his dreams were shattered.
Why Are Jamaican Athletes So Successful at Track Events?
Johnson opens up on the road to recovery
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The race saw him getting knocked out in the heats after finishing sixth. Understandably, Johnson had a difficult time coping up with his washed-up dreams. In his hopes of recovering better, he also met a sports psychologist regarding the matter. He spoke about it being a huge issue, as many athletes would be in a slump, facing the loss he did.
Johnson also revealed how he talked to his dad about his problems, as that helped him to regain his confidence. Thus, he later won two gold medals at the Atlanta Olympics 1996 in the 200-meters and 400-meters competitions.
Notably, Johnson praised Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka for taking decisions that helped them to ease out their anxiety. With mental health issues no longer a taboo, it is important for athletes to make decisions that would benefit them in the future.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY- A Look Inside Michael Phelps Million Dollar Lifestyle