)
Michael Johnson has defended Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's Athlete of the Year win, highlighting her excellence and sparking vital debate in athletics.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s selection as the World Athletics Female Track Athlete of the Year.
The decision has sparked heated discussions among fans, with some celebrating her exceptional achievements and others questioning her limited appearances in competitions.
)
14:45 - 01.12.2024
‘Looking forward to better things’ – Jamaican teenager aiming for more glory after breaking Usain Bolt’s 22-year world record
The teenager has set the world a blaze and is tipped to follow in the footsteps of his idol in becoming a global icon
Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and revered figure in track and field, believes the debate is a positive force for the sport.
"If everyone agreed on all the selections for track & field athlete of the year awards, that would be boring as hell," Johnson remarked.
"The outrage and debate is great for the sport."
McLaughlin-Levrone, the 25-year-old American sprint sensation, claimed the prestigious honor after an incredible year.
She successfully defended her 400m hurdles title shattering her own record for the sixth time in the process.
)
13:00 - 30.11.2024
American legend Justin Gatlin on why he agrees with Kishane Thompson on maintaining a low profile
American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has backed Kishane Thompsons decision to maintain a low profile despite warning that media attention will continue to grow the more accolades he collects,
Her jaw-dropping performance in Paris, where she clocked a remarkable 50.37 seconds, outpaced fierce competitors like Anna Cockrell and Femke Bol.
In addition to her individual triumphs, McLaughlin-Levrone played a pivotal role in Team USA’s victory in the women’s 4x400m relay.
Her blistering second-leg run, clocking an astonishing 47.71 seconds, secured a commanding lead for her team and left fans and analysts in awe.
)
17:49 - 30.11.2024
Christian Coleman reacts to ongoing dispute between Michael Johnson & Tara Davis-Woodhall
Christian Coleman has shared a brief reaction to the ongoing disagreement between Michael Johnson and Tara Davis-Woodhall regarding the Grand Slam Track league.
Despite her impressive accolades, the sprinter’s limited participation in major competitions has fueled division among fans.
Some argue her achievements speak for themselves, while others suggest that her relatively sparse racing schedule undermines her claim to the top honor.
Michael Johnson offered his perspective on the matter, shedding light on McLaughlin-Levrone’s approach to competition.
"What Sydney represents is the issue with the sport. When I asked why she doesn't race much she said she likes to race but, when she does, she wants it to mean something," Johnson explained.
)
17:32 - 30.11.2024
'They didn’t dig deep enough'- American sprint legend weighs in on the missed stories of African sprinters
An American sprint legend has criticized a popular Netflix docuseries for underrepresenting African athletes and lacking narrative depth.
The legendary sprinter hinted that the lack of high-stakes opportunities in the sport might be influencing her decision to prioritize quality over quantity.
Since earning a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships, McLaughlin-Levrone has remained undefeated.
However, her absence from the 2023 World Athletics Championships due to injury and her limited appearances in the Diamond League since 2021 have drawn scrutiny.
In a sign of his confidence in McLaughlin-Levrone’s star power, Johnson recently signed her as the first athlete for the upcoming Grand Slam Track Series.
Scheduled to debut in 2025, the series aims to revitalize the sport by focusing on marquee events that bring together the world’s best athletes.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)