Michael Johnson's fastest recorded 100m split occurred during his legendary 200m world record race, where he covered the opening 100 meters in 10.12 seconds.
Michael Johnson's Remarkable 100m Speed
While primarily renowned for his dominance in the 200 meters and 400 meters, Michael Johnson showcased incredible initial acceleration. His 100m speed is best highlighted by a split time from one of his most iconic performances, rather than a standalone 100m race, as he did not specialize in the shortest sprint distance.
The Historic 200m World Record
On August 1, 1996, at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Michael Johnson set a new world record in the 200m. His blistering start contributed significantly to this monumental achievement. During this race, he ran the initial 100 meters in a swift 10.12 seconds. He then completed the full 200 meters in an astonishing world-record time of 19.32 seconds, shattering his own previous record set on the same track a month earlier. This represented the largest improvement ever made on a 200m world record at the time.
This powerful opening 100m split underscored his explosive speed, a critical component of his success in the 200m, where he maintained top speed for longer than any other athlete of his era.
Key Facts About Michael Johnson's Sprinting Prowess
- Primary Events: Johnson was a four-time Olympic gold medalist and eight-time World Champion, primarily competing in the 200m and 400m.
- World Records: He held world records in both the 200m (19.32s) and 400m (43.18s), and was part of the world record-setting 4x400m relay team.
- Unique Running Style: Known for his upright running style and short strides, which allowed him to maintain exceptional speed.
- Dominance: His period of dominance in the mid to late 1990s saw him achieve an unprecedented 200m/400m double at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
The 10.12-second mark stands as a testament to his sheer speed, even though it was only a segment of a longer, record-breaking performance. For more information on his career, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Race Event | 100m Split Time | Final Race Time | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200m Final | 10.12 seconds | 19.32 seconds | August 1, 1996 | Atlanta |
