06/14/2001

Track and Field Legend Michael Johnson to Run Last Race
of Competitive Career at 2001 Goodwill Games
Johnson to Run Final Lap of 4x400 Relay

Five-time Goodwill Games gold medalist, five-time Olympic gold medalist and nine-time world champion Michael Johnson will run his last competitive race at the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia, officials announced today. Johnson's relay race at the Games will be the conclusion on his farewell "Golden Victory Lap Tour." Johnson, who is the current world record holder in the 200m and 400m and part of the 4x400m world record relay team, a record set at the 1998 Goodwill Games, will compete in the 4x400m relay team on Sept. 7 at ANZ stadium to close out his illustrious career. The race will be aired live on Turner Network Television.

"I am extremely pleased to be running my last race for Team USA at the 2001 Goodwill Games," said Johnson. "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. For a world record in any championship event, a $100,000 (USD) bonus will be given. 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).

"We are honored that Michael Johnson wishes to close his career at the Goodwill Games," said Mike Plant, president of Goodwill Games, Inc. "The sports-hungry fans of Australia and those around the world will witness an incredible moment in the history of sports."

The Goodwill Games, Aug. 29-Sept. 9, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, will feature 14 sports: 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.

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