Let’s rumble! – ‘Superman’ backs Ja vs USA athletics clash
WORLD 400-metre record holder Michael Johnson has thrown his support behind the proposed two-leg staging of the USA versus Jamaica Challenge series, which is being negotiated between both track and field federations.
“Absolutely!,” the American replied to Observer queries as to whether he was in support of the mouthwatering head-to-head match-up between the world’s two big athletics powerhouses.
“I think that would be, depending on how it’s presented. I think it could be very good for the sport,” Johnson added.
The Challenge, which was suggested by USA Track and Field’s CEO, Doug Logan, in March of this year, has been the subject of negotiations between the Americans and the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Associations (JAAA).
On November 9, the Observer quoted president of the JAAA, Howard Aris, as saying talks were ongoing between both associations to hammer out a deal.
“We have had two meetings with the USA Track and Field people, one in Berlin (in August) and one here in Kingston (in October) to try to move forward with the idea of what they call the USA versus Jamaica Challenge,” Aris told the Observer at the time.
Meanwhile, Johnson believes a challenge between the two countries which dominated the medal table at this summer’s IAAF World Championships in Berlin is just what the sport of track and field needs to raise it stocks globally.
“I think the sport needs fresh new ideas and things that will gain interest, certainly and obviously, there is a huge interest in athletics here in Jamaica and I think that is great for the sport and I think that there will be interest now,” Johnson reasoned.
Jamaica finished second in the Berlin medals stands with 13 medals — seven gold, four silver and two bronze — behind table toppers USA who garnered 10 gold, six silver and six bronze for a total of 22.
Johnson, who captured two Olympic 400m gold medals and four World Championships titles, was in Jamaica producing a one-hour documentary of Bolt to be aired on the BBC. He left the island yesterday.
“There have been people who have been supportive of American sprinters and American athletics from around the world and I think now you have the Jamaican track and field team as a brand around the world and there are people who are interested in seeing Jamaican athletes competing against the best in the world,” Johnson added.
