He Former American athlete Michael Johnsonfour-time gold medalist in three Olympic Games in speed events, stated this Wednesday that, although “shoes are a great advantage because of their innovation, athletes should not be discredited because they do not help them run more faster than anyone else. “It has the same technology.”
Johnson, holder of four Olympic golds (4×400 relay in Barcelona’92, 200 and 400 meters in Atlanta’96 and 400 meters to Sydney 2000), was the guest star at the inclusive relay held at Madrid’s Vallehermoso stadium with prominent athletes with and without disabilities.
The former athlete, wearing Nike sneakers, spoke about the brand war being waged in athletics, and especially in marathons, between American brands, which are used by runners like Kenyans. Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud Kipchogethe two fastest men by far, and Adidas, which released a limited edition of 500 euro sneakers used by the Ethiopian. Tigist Assefa recently broke the women’s world record in Berlin.
“A pair of shoes doesn’t help you run faster than your ability. Shoes are important, but shoes don’t make athletes run faster than their running ability so I think athletes deserve a little help.” ,” he admitted.
“It’s clear that sneakers are a benefit with the more changes they have, but I don’t believe that athletes can be discredited, especially when everyone has access to great material,” said Johnson, who recognized that the accumulation of marathon records is taking place this year.
“What we are seeing now in the marathon is incredible and, in the case of women, I think we will continue to see them run faster. The marathon is experiencing a more exciting moment now than in many. years. In addition, there are athletes in minutes and I think we will continue to see those matches in the years to come,” he said.
Regarding the legacy he left behind in his sport, 23 years after his retirement, he said he felt “comfortable with his career.”
“Everyone always tries to do the best they can and I did the same, so I’m happy with my legacy,” he concluded.
Source: La Verdad
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