After challenging Tobi Amusan of Nigeria’s women’s 100-meter hurdles team to break the record at the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Oregon, some Nigerians accused former American Olympic and World Champion Michael Johnson of being racist. Johnson has responded by calling them out.
After Amusan broke the world record in the semi-final by.08, Johnson tweeted that he didn’t believe the 100-meter clock, prompting Nigerians to accuse him of being “racist.”
Johnson responded to his criticism on social media by saying that he was simply carrying out his duties as a commentator.
“As a commentator, my job is to comment. In questioning the times of 28 athletes (not 1 athlete) by wondering if the timing system malfunctioned, I was attacked, accused of racism, and of questioning the talent of an athlete I respect and predicted to win. Unacceptable. I move on,” tweeted in reply.
On July 24, 2022, Amusan ran the women’s 100mH in 12.12 seconds during the semifinals at Hayward Field.
In 2016, the Nigerian broke American Keni Harrison’s 12.20-second world record. The timing difference represents the largest time decrease for a 100mH world record in 42 years.
Shortly after Amusan’s triumphant moment, John tweeted about the 100mH clock.
“I don’t believe 100h times are correct. World record broken by .08! 12 PBs set. 5 National records set. And Cindy Sember quote after her PB/NR “I thoroughly I was running slow!” All athletes looked shocked.”
“Heat 2 we were first shown winning time of 12.53. Few seconds later it shows 12.43. Rounding down by .01 is normal. .10 is not,” he added.
Amusan in the final went on to win Gold, finishing with an astonishing time of 12.06, but due to too much tailwind, it could not stand as a record.
She became the first Nigerian to a world title in the track and field event.
As a commentator my job is to comment. In questioning the times of 28 athletes (not 1 athlete) by wondering if the timing system malfunctioned, I was attacked, accused of racism, and of questioning the talent of an athlete I respect and predicted to win. Unacceptable. I move on.
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) July 25, 2022
I don’t believe 100h times are correct. World record broken by .08! 12 PBs set. 5 National records set. And Cindy Sember quote after her PB/NR “I throughly I was running slow!” All athletes looked shocked.
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) July 25, 2022
