TBT: Allen Johnson

Allen Johnson, 2004 Olympic Trials

By John Posey, USN

Former Olympic 110-hurdles Gold Medalist, Allen Johnson, has been dealing with barriers his entire life. He was born legally blind in one eye, yet chose one of the toughest events to master in track and field. He taught himself to skim over 10 42-inch hurdles in less than 13 seconds, 11 times in his storied career, which is more than anyone else.

Johnson. A three-time Olympian, started as a multi-event athlete at Lake Braddock HS in Virginia. He competed in the high jump, long jump, and hurdles.

North Carolina Head Track Coach, Dennis Braddock, recruited Johnson as a decathlete. His body couldn’t hold up to the demands of the decathlon. He considered specializing in the long jump as he was outstanding in the event with a personal best of 26’8”.

The great Olympic hurdler, Charles Foster, was an assistant at North Carolina then. Johnson decided to focus on the 110-hurdles. He took Johnson under his wing and perfected his technique. Johnson had a solid, but unspectacular career at UNC. He won an indoor 55-meter title in 7:07 and finished 3rd in the 110-hurdles outdoors. Johnson won 4 ACC titles (3 long jump, one hurdles). He still holds school records at North Carolina in the indoor long jump, outdoor long jump and 110-meter hurdles.

He began his professional career having to beg for opportunities to race in Europe. He had no sponsor. His agent convinced Nike to give him some gear, but they refused to sign him to an endorsement contract.

In 1996, Johnson won Olympic gold running a 12.92. Johnson earned gold medals in the hurdles at seven IAAF World Championship meets. He finished first in the 110-meter hurdles at the outdoor world championships in 1995 (Gothenburg), 1997 (Athens), 2001 (Edmonton) and 2003 (Paris), while placing first in the 60-meter hurdles at the indoor world championships in 1995 (Barcelona), 2003 (Birmingham) and 2004 (Budapest). In addition, Johnson finished second in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2008 indoor championships in Valencia, Spain, third at the 110-meter hurdles at the 2005 championships in Helinski, Finland and fourth in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Johnson, who was ranked as the top 110-meter hurdler in the world for four years by Track & Field News, spent 14 consecutive years listed among the world's top 10, including 12 years ranked within the top five, while finishing a record 11 races in less than 13 seconds.

Johnson retired in 2010 before a crowd of fans at a meet in England. He injured his quad training for the meet three days earlier. It was time after 30 years of competing in the sport he loves.

Johnson began his coaching career as a volunteer at the University of South Carolina. He had coaching stops at Air Force Academy and the University of Kentucky. At Air Force, Johnson guided his 4x400 teams to conference indoor and outdoor titles. Johnson was part of a Kentucky staff that totaled five top-25 finishes between indoor and outdoor track and field during his two years with the Wildcats – including a national runner up finish from the women's team during the 2015 outdoor season.

Johnson currently coaches the men’s and women’s sprints, hurdles, and relays at North Carolina State.

“I'm more impressed with Allen Johnson the man, equal to his accomplishments,” said NC State track and field head coach Rollie Geiger. “He is just a solid individual and is going to be a solid asset to the program both on the track and off. Obviously, his athletic credentials are incredible, but I'm really impressed with Allen as a person. He will have a real, positive influence on not just our sprint and hurdles group, but our whole team.”

Allen Johnson is still dealing with barriers. Only this time he is teaching others how to overcome them.

Career Highlights: 7-time U.S. Outdoor champion ('96, '97, '00, '01, '02, '03, '05); 1996 Olympic gold medalist; 4-time World Outdoor champion ('95, '97, '01, '03); 3-time World Indoor 60mH champion ('95, '03, '04); 2008 World Indoor silver medalist; 4-time U.S. Indoor champ ('95, '02, '03, '04); 1997 World Champs 4x400 gold medalist; 2005 World Outdoor Champs bronze medalist; 1992 NCAA Indoor 55H champ; 1997 Jesse Owens Award winner

Photo Credit: Copyright John Posey USN 2004