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Johnson's journey Aussie farewell for Olympic legend
BRISBANE, Australia -- He doesn't have the glitzy charisma of Carl Lewis or the infectious swagger of Maurice Greene. But in his own way, Michael Johnson is perhaps a more impressive champion than the other two modern-day icons of American track and field. Johnson's departure from international competition came in typically clinical and efficient style, anchoring the United States to victory in the 4x400-meter relay at the Goodwill Games. It was at the same event 11 years ago, in Seattle, where the robust Texan burst onto the world stage by winning the 200 meters. The Johnson who stepped onto the track in Brisbane was a wise and much-traveled veteran, just six days shy of his 34th birthday and at the end of a rambling, farewell tour. For just for a split second midway through Johnson's anchor leg, the crowd of 30,000 at ANZ Stadium perhaps feared that the strong finishing Avard Moncar of the Bahamas and Jamaica's Michael Blackwood might reel in the rusty five-time Olympic gold medalist. But suddenly those famous golden shoes moved up into a higher gear and Johnson, as he always does, left his opponents for dead. Some fans here were disappointed that Johnson chose not to run in the individual 400 meters. But, with his wife, Kerry, and their 16-month son, Sebastian, in tow, the dual record holder wanted a lower-risk and less stressful farewell. Australia holds good memories for Johnson who won two gold medals at last year's Sydney Olympics, becoming the first man to successfully defend his 400 meters title. Although the Brisbane crowd warmly bid him farewell, it's unlikely that sports fans here will yearn for another athlete in the exact mold of Johnson. Johnson earns respect and admiration for his achievements more than any particular affection. His robotic running style, while considered ground-breaking by some, isn't always viewed as engaging or attractive. And his low-key personality and monotone voice aren't perhaps the vehicles for a post-track career as a sought-after public speaker on the Australian dinner circuit. The long-retired Carl Lewis remains the American athlete whom Aussies hold in highest esteem, which is ironic considering that his star has fallen in his native United States in recent years. Even so, Australians were happy to see Johnson go out a winner. They realized they were witnessing a rare kind of champion whose incredible feats may never be repeated. Australian-born Jason Dasey is a co-anchor for World Sport, a 30-minute sports highlights and news program on CNN International.
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