A Conversation with Allen Johnson: Honoring Track & Field’s Past and Bright Future

A Black History Month Q & A with Olympic gold medalist Allen Johnson.

During the span of his thirteen year track and field career, so far the Allen Johnson has won an Olympic gold, a total of 11 national titles and 11 World titles, safely securing his place as one of the greatest.

What makes the man larger than life is how hard he puts into all that he does.  During his career, the 110 meter hurdles has not been just satisfied with being a champion, he has shown almost unparalled longevity.  On the track, he has the qualities of a champion: stamina, dominance and clutch.

Off of the track, Johnson has given track & field a professional example especially for younger athletes. He is known on the circuit for advising younger runners on the sport’s potential pitfalls and how to survive in the track and field game.  Anyone that talks to him knows his distinct voice.  You know the confidence, but do you know the smile and infectious laugh?

We make such stars out of athletes that they turn into gods. It’s refreshing to speak with Allen.  In a time when no one in the world wants to be a role model, I knew here was man that never balked at that challenge. There is something important and rewarding about being a role model and those who fill such massive shoes.

PreRaceJitters.com had the opportunity to catch up with the Allen Johnson, and here is what the hurdling legend had to say:

PRJ: 2009 has already been historic with the election of President Barack Obama. What does Black History Month mean to you and why do you think it is important to have a month to honor Black heritage?
AJ: Black History Month is important because it is a time to acknowledge the accomplishments and achievements of African Americans.  There were times in the past when our achievements went un-noticed and were not talked about in the history books.  By acknowledging the historical contributions of African Americans, one will have fuller picture of history.

PRJ: How important do you feel it is to use your platform as an Olympic gold medalist to make a positive influence on the future generations of African-Americans.
AJ: I feel it’s very important for me to use my influence as a professional athlete to influence as many young people as I can.  The scars of segregation still exist in the African American community and I try to stress to young people that they can do anything they put their minds to accomplishing.  That there will be barriers in life and that if you dream and believe that they can be whatever they want.

PRJ: Were there any public figures that you felt were role models or someone in particular that you looked up?
AJ: I must say that when I was young I didn’t pay much attention to public figures much, but the person I looked up to was my mother.  My mother had the gumption to strive for a career in the business world in a time when business was very much a White male-dominated field.  I feel she is part of a generation of women that broke barriers and paved the way for those that came after her.

PRJ: How important was Jesse Owens’ 1936 Olympic performance that broke the color barrier?
AJ: Jesse Owens’ performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympics was important in breaking the color barrier because it showed that African Americans were not less of an athlete than their white counterparts.  It was very significant also because it was an African American that showed to Nazi Germany that the Arian race was not superior and that all people are equal.

PRJ: Do you think its important for you and people like you, who have a strong understanding of your heritage, to influence those that may not be as aware, so that they know about African-American history?
AJ: I think i t is very important to let all people know about African American history for the simple fact the it is history and we need to all we can about what has happened before us.

PRJ: This is your 13th year as a professional hurdler, during that time you have won an Olympic gold medal, countless world and national titles.  How have you embraced being a role model too so many?
AJ: Yes, I have really embraced being a role model. I understand that because of my position that I will have some who will look to me for direction and even imitate some of what I do.  So it’s important to me to set a good example for young people to follow.

PRJ: On a scale of 1 to 10, with ten being the highest, how is your training progressing based on your plans for the 2009 and why?
AJ: At this point my training is going pretty well.  It’s hard to give it a number, but I am on track for achieving my goal of gaining a berth on the World Championship Team competing this summer in Berlin, Germany.

PRJ: It was pleasure to work with you, and wish you the best in 2009.