Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson, renowned as the greatest 200/400 metre sprinter in track and field history, has seamlessly transitioned from athletic champion to influential motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Dominating the international scene, Johnson won 19 gold medals, including four Olympic golds and nine World Championship golds, without ever earning a silver or bronze.

Johnson’s career is marked by several historic firsts: he was the first man to be ranked #1 in the world for both 200 metres and 400 metres, the first to win both events at an Olympic Games, and the first to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 400m. He also broke the world records for both distances, retiring in 2000 with an unparalleled legacy.

His success is rooted in a philosophy of consistent effort and clear goal-setting. Johnson believed that success depends on the level of effort invested and the clarity of one’s goals. His focus was on becoming the best athlete he could be, which motivated him to train rigorously, adapt his strategies, and overcome obstacles to perform under pressure.

After retiring from athletics, Johnson applied his success principles to business ventures, including Michael Johnson Performance, a sports performance training company serving professional athletes, sports teams, and youth athletes worldwide. He also founded Michael Johnson Young Leaders, a program empowering young people who have faced adversity by providing them with tools for personal and community success through sport, leadership, and community engagement.

As a corporate motivational speaker, Johnson has inspired companies such as Microsoft, Sony, UBS, and Proctor & Gamble. His speaking topics include motivation, goal setting, performing under pressure, data-driven performance, overcoming obstacles, culture, entrepreneurial experience, and philanthropy and sport for development. Additionally, he has achieved success as a television commentator for BBC Sport and serves on the board of the Laureus World Sports Academy, promoting social change through sport. Michael Johnson’s journey from athletic excellence to impactful leadership continues to inspire and motivate audiences around the world.