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Michael Johnson has also analysed both the Jamaican and USA men and wome's sides ahead of the Paris Olympic games.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has weighed in on the long-standing sprint rivalry between the United States and Jamaica ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This rivalry, which has spanned generations, sees both countries constantly striving to outdo each other in the sprint events. The 2024 Olympics is no different, with both the men’s and women’s teams from the two nations gearing up for intense competition.
Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, discussed the depth of this rivalry and highlighted the prospects of both nations at this year’s games.
“That rivalry is real. You just have to go on Twitter, especially Jamaican Twitter, which is not for the faint-hearted,” Johnson remarked.
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14:00 - 28.07.2024
Michael Johnson weighs in on 'fastest man in the world' debate
Michael Johnson has shared his opinion about the fastest man in the world, after an American outlet shared that Noah Lyles is the fastest man on earth, causing an uproar in the track and field world.
“They are a very proud nation when it comes to sprinting. It is a national sport. They have punched far above their weight many times. There are many times where a country the size of Jamaica could dominate one the size of the USA, and they have done it for many, many years in sprinting.”
Johnson noted that the competition between the two nations is not new. “You go back to the days of Don Quarrie in the 60s and Merlene Ottey, Grace Jackson, Julia Cartford, Raymond Stewart—this has always been the case.
“ But now, in the last 15 years, with the emergence of Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt, and Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce, as well as Elaine Thompson-Herah, Jamaica has dominated both the men’s 100 and 200 meters.”
Johnson pointed out that while the Jamaican women have dominated in recent years, their male counterparts have struggled, leaving room for American sprinters to shine.
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15:00 - 29.07.2024
'I beat everyone I touch' - Noah Lyles aims more digs at Jamaican fans over Kishane Thompson and Co's threat at Paris Olympics
Noah Lyles has sparked more controversy with his comments over Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville and other Jamaican sprinters just days after being accussed of exploiting his relationship with Junelle Bromfield.
“In the last five years, the Jamaican side found more talent in Shericka Jackson, and they started sweeping medals. They swept the women’s 100 meters at the last Olympics and the 200m as well.”
However, the men’s side has seen a different story. “On the men’s side, they did not do well in the last Olympics. After Usain Bolt retired in 2017, there was a huge void, and the Americans filled that void to the extent that the men swept the 100m in the 2022 World Championships, and last year, Noah Lyles won it.”
Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Johnson believes the competition will be fierce, especially given the fact they have produced male talent to match up to the seasoned American side.
“Now, the Jamaicans have Kishane Thompson, who has set the world leading time this year. He finished fourth at both of the previous World Championships right outside of the medals, so he is knocking on the door.”
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18:00 - 29.07.2024
Justin Gatlin picks dream all-time American and Jamaican 4 x100 mixed relay teams, makes damning verdicts on who would win
Gatlin picks his dream 4 by 100m mixed relay in two different iterations and compares it to a Jamaican dream line up that includes the likes of Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson-Herah.
In the women’s side, Johnson is cagey about team Jamaica’s prospects given Thompson-Herah is not participating, Fraser-Pryce is on her last legs and Jackson has struggled with injury.
“The Jamaicans do believe they have got talent on the men’s side and they believe Kishane Thompson could be the Olympic champion, whereas on the women’s side, they have got a little bit of a drought.
“ Thompson-Herah has been injured the last few years, Shelly Anne Fraser Price has had difficulty staying healthy. Shericka Jackson has struggled a little bit with injury this year as well.”
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