09/07/2001

JOHNSON BOWS OUT ON GOODWILL WINNING NOTE

SPRINT legend Michael Johnson bowed out of international competition on a winning note tonight, when he anchored the victorious USA 4x400m relay team at the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane.

The race brought Johnson's stellar career full circle, after he made his international debut at the Goodwill Games in Seattle in 1990.

Since then the Texan has claimed four world records, including the 400m, 200m, 4x400m outdoors and 400m indoors.

Johnson ran a comfortable race as he anchored fellow teammates Leonard Byrd, Derrick Brew and veteran Antonio Pettigrew to take Goodwill Gold at ANZ Stadium with a time of 3:00.52.

Silver was claimed by Jamaica, while the Bahamas brought home bronze.

Johnson's wife Kerri, young son Sebastian and coach of 15 years Clyde Hart were trackside to watch Johnson complete his final race wearing the US flag on his chest.

In a poignant moment, Johnson posed for the last time alongside his fellow teammates before walking a victory lap around the packed stadium, shaking hands with excited fans.

``It (the race) was great, this year was great and the fans were great. Thank you all - I couldn't have done it without you,'' Johnson said after the race.

``I started on top. I wanted to finish on top.''

Johnson was due to celebrate the end of his career at a glittering party at Brisbane's latest hot spot `Family'.

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