Famous Track Runners

Since 1896 famous track runners competing in Olympic track events like the 100, 400 or 800 meter race have determined the fastest runners in the world. Vying for medals of gold, silver and bronze many runners train their bodies hoping to be given the title of one of the fastest on earth to compete in a race. Typically for the shorter metered races, Americans have naturally dominated, turning out swift competitors like Carl Lewis or Archie Hahn, the only two athletes to have ever twice won the gold medal in the 100-meter race. In other events, like the 4x400 meter relay, American competitors have placed first in the race since 1984. One such person, Michael Johnson has gone on to win medals for other events, thereby securing his place among the greatest of famous track runners.

Carl Lewis has enjoyed a professional track career that started in 1980 when he was first selected to compete with the US Olympic team. Four years later his status as one of the most prominent of famous track runners was cemented when at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics he won four gold medals in the 100 m, 200 m, 4x100 meter relay and the long jump event. In 1988 a rivalry between Lewis and Canadian Ben Johnson erupted into frenzy when Johnson ran an impressive 9.79 seconds in the 100 meter event, narrowly beating Lewis’ time of 9.92 seconds. Further controversy erupted when it was established that Ben Johnson was found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs, at which Lewis was promptly awarded the gold medal.

Michael Johnson’s place in the realm of famous track runners came in 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta when he won gold medals for both the 200 m and 400 m events. Four years prior he participated in a 4x400 meter relay which saw his teammates taking the gold medal as well. Unfortunately, a quadriceps injury in 1997 as well as future grievances has led to somewhat of a short career. His last performances in track and field came at the 2000 summer Olympics in Australia, when Michael placed first in the 400 meter and 4x400 meter relay events. He is widely considered to be the fastest man on the planet...