Picking The Time

PICKING THE TIME and place to retire is a special treat for an athlete. In 2001, Michael Johnson elected to conclude his career at the Goodwill Games in Australia.

The world-record holder in the 200- and 400-meter run began sprinting professionally at the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle. He also competed in two other Goodwill contests: St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1994 and in the 1998 Games at Uniondale, New York.

After capturing his second 400-meter Olympic gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games, the former Baylor University star ran only relay races in his final professional year. Then at his final Goodwill Games appearance at Brisbane’s ANZ Stadium, he participated, along with Derrick Brew, Leonard Byrd, and Antonio Pettigrew in the competition’s final event, the 1,600-meter relay.

Running the anchor lap, the 33-year-old runner took the baton just ahead of Jamaica’s Michael Blackwood. The Caribbean runner matched Johnson’s pace for 300 meters, but the nine-time world champion blistered down the stretch and won by eight meters.

The American relay team took first place in a time of 3:00.52, and Johnson walked a victory lap with his three teammates. More than 30,000 fans cheered as the five-time Olympic gold medalist stood listening to the “Star-Spangled Banner” for the final time atop the winners’ stand.

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POINT Michael Johnson accomplished all his goals on the track—world records, Olympic medals, and meet titles. The star hadn’t lost many steps, but training and recovery grew more difficult. His wife, Kerry, his son, Sebastian, and business opportunities helped Johnson make the decision to conclude his running career.

The author of Ecclesiastes made a final conclusion. He told everybody to fear God and obey his commands. That’s the duty of every person. And if we do those things, God will applaud when we meet him in heaven.

GOAL! Think about the things God commands you to do. If you need a refresher, read the Bible to learn how God wants you to live. At the conclusion of your life, God will judge your actions and whether or not you did your best to achieve his will for you on earth.