Ben Johnson

Description: (Canadian Sprinter Who was the World's 'Fastest Man' During the 1987-88 Season)

Benjamin Sinclair "Ben" Johnson is a Jamaican-born Canadian former sprinter who set consecutive 100 meters world records at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics and the1988 Summer Olympics. But his glory did not last long and he fell to disgrace soon after winning the Olympic gold in the 100 meters race after he failed a doping test and was stripped of his Olympic title. The 100 meters final at the1988 Summer Olympics would go down in history as one of the most controversial events at the Olympics as many of the participants were found to have doped during the race. Ben Johnson, who immigrated to Canada from Jamaica as a 14-year-old established himself as a promising sprinter under the training of coach Charlie Francis, a sprint champion himself who was also Canada's national sprint coach for nine years. The young man tasted his first international success when he won two silver medals at the 1982 Commonwealth Games and proceeded to win the bronze medal in the 100 meters final at the 1984 Summer Olympics. His ambitions were set high for the 1988 Summer Olympics and he won the 100 meters final beating his American rival Carl Lewis, becoming an internationally-recognized track superstar. After just three days he fell to disgrace after it was revealed that he had doped during the big event.

Overview

Birthday December 30, 1961 (Capricorn)
Born In Jamaica
Alternative names Benjamin Sinclair Johnson
Height 178 cm
Parents

Did you know

What was Ben Johnson's reaction to being stripped of his Olympic gold medal in 1988? Ben Johnson admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs and accepted responsibility for his actions.
What impact did Ben Johnson's doping scandal have on the sport of athletics? Ben Johnson's doping scandal brought widespread attention to the issue of doping in sports and led to increased anti-doping measures.
How did Ben Johnson's career change after the doping scandal? Ben Johnson faced a suspension from competition and struggled to regain his reputation and success in the sport.
What lessons can be learned from Ben Johnson's doping scandal? Ben Johnson's case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of using performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
What is Ben Johnson's current involvement in athletics? Ben Johnson currently works as a coach and mentor, sharing his experiences to educate athletes about the importance of clean and fair competition.
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