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Michael Johnson disagrees with Stephen Francis's suggestion to ban athletes from social media, arguing instead that social media can be a helpful tool if used correctly.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson disagrees with Shericka Jackson’s coach Stephen Francis on the issue of banning athletes from social media if they are to avoid pressure and focus on their track and field careers.
The four-time Olympic champion expressed wishes to have active social media accounts during the time he was competing, noting that social media is very helpful if used in the right way. Michael Johnson feels it’s impossible to tell an athlete how to act on their own social media platforms.
Johnson did not rule out the fact that there is a lot of pressure for athletes to perform but having no social media does not guarantee that they will perform seamlessly with no pressure.
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04:24 - 27.10.2024
'It's time we focus on entertaining fans again' - Grand Slam Track boss Michael Johnson highlights League's vision in Racers Summit
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“I think that kids today are under a tremendous amount of pressure that doesn’t necessarily come from a coach or a parent or somewhere else, they are just under a lot of pressure, just from society. I wish we had social media because it’s an amazing tool and I don’t criticize athletes for using social media…it’s an amazing tool if used correctly and it’s not going anywhere,” Michael Johnson told Jamaican Dr Gregory Haughton.
“So, the idea of saying to kids, ‘Don’t be on social media’, that’s being an idiot. It’s a matter of helping these people understand how to manage the pressure and how to protect themselves,” he added.
In a previous interview, Stephen Francis had pointed out that he was considering banning the MVP Track Club athletes to ensure they focus on their careers. He explained that being on social media makes athletes waste time and he was willing to implement the rule.
"I believe I’m going to try to implement a policy for the athletes to delete social media before they start competing. It’s too much of a distraction, and they spend too much time on their phones,” Stephen Francis said.
Michael Johnson further thinks at the moment, athletes don’t seem to be enjoying the sport, noting that they are too focused on winning medals and some don’t even understand what they are doing unlike during his time.
“Well, certainly, you know when kids are under pressure, it can rob them of the fun or the experience of the play and really even understanding if they enjoy the sport or not,” he said.
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08:15 - 23.10.2024
'It plays to my strengths'- Shamier Little reflects on signing with Grand Slam Track
Shamier Little is part of the star-studded line-up that was announced on Tuesday yo have signed with Grand Slam Track.
“I think it was instrumental in my development and ability to develop slowly and really enjoy the sport and I wasn’t under pressure from my coach or my parents as well because that’s where a lot of pressure comes from a lot of times especially today with kids being in organised sports.”
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