Michael Johnson to return 4 x 4 relay medal

Sprinting Discussion Sprints

15 years ago 06/02/2008 9:36pm EDT

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=3423121

LONDON -- Olympic great Michael Johnson says he was "shocked" by former teammate Antonio Pettigrew's doping admission and will return the gold medal the two of them helped the United States win in the 1,600-meter relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

"As difficult as it is, I will be returning it to the International Olympic Committee because I don't want it," Johnson wrote in a column in Tuesday's Daily Telegraph. "I feel cheated, betrayed and let down."

15 years ago 06/02/2008 9:41pm EDT

re: Running principles

The full text of his column announcing his decision to return the medal:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/06/03/sojohn103.xml

15 years ago 06/02/2008 9:52pm EDT

re: Running principles

It shows class on MJ's part to return it voluntarily even though he doesn't know for sure that he'd ever be forced to. More class than some others who have been previously discussed on this board.

15 years ago 06/02/2008 9:55pm EDT

re: Harry Kooter

Whether or not MJ cheated (I'm not gonna go there), he does seem kind of like a Michael Jordan of track and field.

No one can top Jordan though.

15 years ago 06/02/2008 10:21pm EDT

Now do they have to pay their shoe company medal bonuses back along with any other bonus money (I think the USOC had a bonus plan set up for Sydney) earned?

15 years ago 06/02/2008 11:16pm EDT

I always hated Pettigrew, since the time I saw his ugly disgusting out of shape body cross the tape way back when in the 90's.

in the 400, all we really had was Michael Johnson for the longest time. The others were either criminals, or drug stars, of f*cked up cry babies.

Michael held those clowns together the best he could. Without him, we would have been nothing in the 400. I don't know how Clyde Hart felt about it, but I know how I felt about it. It was a dam shame. And it was America's event too. F*ck, it may be all we got this time around.

Our only shot at gold.

15 years ago 06/02/2008 11:26pm EDT

re: toyota pious

toyota pious wrote:
Michael held those clowns together the best he could. Without him, we would have been nothing in the 400. I don't know how Clyde Hart felt about it, but I know how I felt about it. It was a dam shame. And it was America's event too. F*ck, it may be all we got this time around.
Our only shot at gold.

haha, our only shot at gold? You must have a very short memory.

15 years ago 06/02/2008 11:30pm EDT

indian giver wrote:
Easy to be "classy" and give it back when you have a few others in your cache.

I disagree totally. MJ just elevated himself from more or less an outspoken jerk to an abrasive guy doing it the right way. From probably cheated to probably clean.

I don't think you guys understand what giving a medal back means. I imagine it's like giving up a child to most track athletes; an individual sport where self-centeredness is the norm.

I see 19.32 in a different light today. The tears on the medal podium...not crocodile water, those were pure.

Kudos to you for being selfless MJ.

15 years ago 06/02/2008 11:30pm EDT

re: Running principles

Well said Mr Johnson,a true champion among a legion of athletic pygmies.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Michael Johnson to return 4 x 4 relay medal

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Michael Johnson to return 4 x 4 relay medal

Follow Harry Kooter

Block Harry Kooter

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.