Goodwill Games

06/15/2001

Sprint Legend Michael Johnson Confirms His Swansong will be in Brisbane
Johnson to Run Final Lap of 4 X 400 Relay

Five-time Goodwill Games gold medallist, five-time Olympic gold medallist and nine-time world champion Michael Johnson today announced he will run his last competitive race at the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane.

Johnson's relay race at the Goodwill Games will be the conclusion of his farewell Golden Victory Lap Tour.

Johnson, the current world record holder in the 200m, 400m and 4x400m relay (a record set at the 1998 Goodwill Games) will run the final leg of the men's 4x400m relay for Team USA on September 7 to close his illustrious career.

The race, scheduled for the final night of the Games athletics meet at Brisbane's ANZ Stadium, will be aired live on Turner Network Television and through the Nine Network in Australia.

Johnson said he was pleased to be running his last race at the Goodwill Games.

``I am extremely pleased to be running my last race for Team USA at the 2001 Goodwill Games," Johnson said.

``I have competed in three Goodwill Games, and each holds a significant memory for me, so it makes sense to end my career there.''

The men's athletics competition will consist of 22 events. The finals-only format includes the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, mile, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, 10,000m, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, 4x400 relay, high jump, long jump, pole vault, 20km walk, triple jump, discus, shot put, hammer, javelin and decathlon.

In all events, a first place prize of $20,000 (USD) will be awarded.

Additional bonuses will also be extended for various records and personal bests, with a world record in any championship event to be awarded a $100,000 (USD) bonus.

A 2001 world-best time or mark will garner a $7,500 (USD) bonus. For any national record a $5,000 (USD) bonus will be given, and, for a Goodwill Games record, a $2,000 (USD) bonus will be given. Any personal best record will be awarded $1,000 (USD).

Goodwill Games President Mike Plant said it was an honour to host Johnson's last race.
``We are honoured that Michael Johnson wishes to close his career at the Goodwill Games,'' Mr Plant said.

``The sports-hungry fans of Australia and those around the world will witness an incredible moment in the history of sports.''

The Goodwill Games, from August 29 to September 9 will feature 14 sports including athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, cycling (track), diving, figure skating, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, trampoline, triathlon, weightlifting and surf lifesaving.

The Goodwill Games were founded by AOL Time Warner Vice Chairman R.E. Turner in 1986 to ensure that the world's best athletes have the opportunity to compete in world-class competition.

The five previous Goodwill Games have alternated between the United States and Russia. However, future Goodwill Games will be staged in countries around the world in both winter and summer formats. TNT is the host network for the Goodwill Games. Nine Network Australia will broadcast the 2001 Goodwill Games locally. Goodwill Games, Inc. is a division of Turner Sports, the sports programming and production business unit of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Media information:
Nikki Todd, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
Ph: 07 3233 2045 (direct) / Mobile: 0408 011 204

Jeff Pomeroy, Goodwill Games, Inc, USA
+1 404 827 478

Jill Geer, USA Track and Field
+1 317 261 0500

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