Michael Johnson has been a reliable ally to the track and field community throughout his years in the industry. Be it by expressing new ways to popularize the field through media and marketing or by presenting the sport in a more interesting format, Johnson has made his presence. However, that isn’t all. The 4-time Olympic gold medalist has ensured to pay equal heed to the athletes on the rise and higher.

Recently, Noah Lyles, Sha’carri Richardson, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone received appreciation from Johnson for making it into the US mainstream media and breaking barriers. Today, as newer athletes make the list and the media remain constant, the World Champion has taken a stand to address yet another concern.

Olympic champion voices opinion

On the 29th, the Track and Field News put up a now-deleted X post, asking if Anna Hall was the next big thing in the heptathlon. A further glimpse of the post read, “Still just 22, the Gator alum has all the makings of one of the greats. For the coming Olympic year…” Following the post, Pole Vaulting Olympic gold medalist, Katie Moon showered praises on the young athlete. “With all due respect, back to back world medals, seriously contending for the win…IMO she already is a great,” Moon wrote. The response from Moon and T&FN’s post deletion evoked a response from Johnson.

Katie further expressed that her intention did not rely on attacking, but rather ‘singing praises’ for Anna. “I know you weren’t attacking them. I think you’re all a rightly frustrated with the lack of recognition of your greatness. And you recognize the focus on records and only gold medals is a big part of the problem,” Michael stated in reply.

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Johnson’s post ultimately directed the focus on the mainstream media’s ignorance towards the track and field athletes’ feats and much rather picked up on the gold medals. Recognition or not, Anna Hall has consistently proven her potential on the grounds.

Anna Hall’s track and field greatness

Anna Hall comes from a family of athletes. Basketball, football, tennis, or track, the family has partaken in it all. Hall meandered sport to sport and let her heart wander initially. It was track and field she eventually latched on to. Today, the 22-year-old is recognized for specializing in the combined events. A silver in the heptathlon during the 2023 Worlds and a bronze in the same has pushed Anna towards greatness in the field.

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Further, she also holds the record for being the only woman to break 6700 points in the heptathlon and run under 55 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles. As fellow athletes intended, Hall is already one of the best; hopefully fetching recognition in need.

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