 |
Michael |
|
| Beginnings: | - Born September 13, 1967 in Dallas, Texas |
| Family: | - Married - has one child |
| Education: | - Graduated from Baylor University - degree in accounting and marketing |
| Sport(s): | - competes in 100m, 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay |
| Interests: | - listens to music by Ray Charles |
| Accomplishments: | - word record
holder in 200m - competed in 1996 and 2000 Olympic games - received the Sullivan award for best amateur athlete - Won three gold Olympic medals |
| Interesting Facts: | - every medal
he has won is gold - his nickname is Superman - his golden shoes only last for one race |
History and Rules of Track and Field
Track and Field events began in 776 B.C. at the first Olympic games. The games were held in Athens, Greece. The running events usually took place at the very start of the games. The word marathon comes from an event in Greek history. After winning the Battle of Marathon, the Greeks sent one of their soldiers to Athens to tell the news. He ran nonstop for 26 miles, came to the city yelling the news, and dropped dead on the spot. During the first few Olympic games the runners had to wear full soldier's armor while competing.
Modern racing became popular in the 1800s. It started in England at colleges where they held amateur track meets. The first U.S. track meet was held in 1838. In 1895 the first international meet was held in New York. In 1896 the first modern games were held in Athens, Greece. In 1921 the first NCAA championships for men’s track were held.
Country the Athlete Represented
The country my athlete represents is the United States of America. The population of the U.S. is around 268,000,000. The capital is Washington D.C. Michael Johnson lives in Dallas, Texas. The U.S.A. is the fourth largest country in the world.
To see Texas' flag click here.
