Johnson recognised as pacesetter

TWO-time Olympian Dennis Johnson, Jamaica's first holder of the 100 yards world record, was yesterday honoured by the organisers of the JAAA/PUMA Development meet at Jamalco in Clarendon for his contribution to track and field.

Johnson, who ran on Jamaica's 4x100m relay team that placed fourth in 39.4 seconds at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo behind the USA, Poland and France, also coached at the University of Utech (then CAST) and worked in administration at the national level.

The other members of the sprint relay quartet were Pablo McNeil, Patrick Robinson and Lynsworth Headley.

Leo Lambert, manager of corporate services and government affairs at Alcoa Mineral of Jamaica, who handed over a plaque, citation and music system to Johnson, told the Sunday Observer the sprinter was one of the country's trailblazers in athletics.

"Dennis represents one of those Jamaicans who has set a pace for others to follow. The exploits of our athletes year in, year out, is largely due to inspiration and the way that has been charted by people like Dennis, and so, Jamalco has a policy of always rewarding the pioneers of our time," Lambert said.

Johnson, who distinguished himself by clocking national records on the US collegiate circuit, has the distinction of equalling the world 100-yard record on four occasions within a six-week period in 1961.

"Those who have left footprints in the sand of time for others to emulate... that is what today represents. It's our way of saying, thank you to a man who has contributed immeasurably to the sport of athletics," Lambert added.

Johnson, who served on several sporting boards, including the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA), was appreciative of the award.

"Well, I'm approaching 71 now and I've had the experience of working in track and field for over 50 years, and the fact that my colleagues and the public understand my contribution is a very good feeling," Johnson said.

"I'm glad that they created this occasion to share this moment with all the youngsters competing here today," he added.

Meanwhile, Edwin Allen High clocked 9 minutes 11.6 seconds to win the 4x800m relay and extended their lead in the Milo Junior Grand Prix series.

It was their third consecutive victory in the six-race series following successes at the Central Hurdles and Relays meet at GC Foster College and the STETHS Invitational in Santa Cruz. Holmwood also extended their lead in the Boys' section by posting 8:09.7.

At press time, the results of the 4x400m events, which also form part of the series, were not available.

The series, which started last year and was hailed as a success, is offering $500,000 in prize money to schools that score the most points in the 4x400m and 4x800m events over six meets.

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