During His Career,

DURING HIS CAREER, Michael Johnson pursued Olympic gold and world records. The sprinter achieved an unparalleled feat capturing both the 200- and 400-meter gold medals in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He set a world record in the 200-meter finals. But his quest for the 400-meter top mark eluded him. In the 1999 World Track and Field Championships in Spain, he obtained his final goal.

After Johnson clocked a 43.95 in the semifinals, most people predicted he would set a 400-meter world record in the finals. USA Track and Field officials prepared a press release announcing his feat, leaving out only the new time.

When the starting gun sounded, the Texan bolted from the blocks. With a 10.9 in the first 100 meters, Johnson reached the race’s midpoint at 21.0. Coming around the final curve, the 32-year-old runner calmly continued his blistering pace despite leading the field by ten meters. He crossed the finish line in 43.18 seconds, topping Butch Reynolds’ old world record by .11 seconds.

Spying an American flag, Johnson rushed over and slapped hands with the fans in the front row of Seville’s Olympic Stadium. In his victory lap, the runner walked slowly, savoring his lifelong goal.

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POINT Michael Johnson didn’t begin as a star. His education-oriented parents demanded that schoolwork precede athletics. At Dallas’ Skyline High School, he ran an average track career. He didn’t attract much college attention, but Baylor University’s coach saw potential. Johnson chose “Quarter Miler U.”

Under Clyde Hart’s tutoring and with a freshman-year growth spurt, Michael became a five-time NCAA champion and world-class runner while earning a business degree. But most agree that Michael Johnson’s success came because of his dedication and attitude—an attitude that led him to quit high school football in spite of peer pressure.

Michael Johnson became his own person who pressed on to win educational and athletic prizes and accomplish his goals. And that’s what the apostle Paul says we should do.

GOAL! Think about your educational, athletic, and life goals. Ask God for the dedication and attitude to accomplish them.