Michael Johnson

As a duel event world champion, Michael Johnson is considered to be the best 200 and 400 metre sprinter in history. At the peak of his success, Johnson dominated the international track and field scene winning 19 international gold medals. He set many records and world firsts, including the first man to ever be ranked number one in the world at both 200 metres and 400 metres, the first man to win gold at both events at an Olympic Games and the first to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 400m. When he retired in 2000, he had won four Olympic golds and nine World Championship gold medals. 

Michael credits his success to a consistent philosophy that he continued to apply over his 11 year career and that he now shares with global audiences in his keynote speeches. Working on the principle that to succeed in anything you must first set a goal, he achieved unprecedented heights in his sports career. For Michael, the goal wasn't to be the fastest man, but to become the best athlete he could be. With this goal in mind, he was able to plan realistic steps, analyse his strengths and weaknesses, motivate himself to train and make any necessary sacrifices to become a top athlete.

Following his retirement from athletics, Johnson now applies this philosophy to his various business ventures, which includes a sports training company, that provides consultation and training for professional athletes. He also set up Michael Johnson Young Leaders, which equips young people around the world who have previously faced adversity with the tools to create a better future on a personal level, as well as within their communities.

As an in-demand keynote speaker, Michael has worked with many global companies such as Microsoft, Sony, UBS and Bank of Scotland, to share his techniques and demonstrate how they apply to the corporate world. A natural presenter, he has also appeared as a television commentator and personality, working with BBC Sport and other channels.