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Michael Johnson has elicited backlash after snubbing Usain Bolt to pick Jesse Owens as the greatest male sprinter of all time.
American sprint icon Michael Johnson has ignited a fierce debate in the athletics world after naming Jesse Owens, and not Usain Bolt, as the greatest male sprinter of all time.
Speaking in a segment with TNT Sports, the four-time Olympic champion suggested Owens' groundbreaking performances earned him the top spot in track and field history.
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Owens' Legacy Over Bolt's Dominance
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Johnson doubled down on his opinion in a previous interview with Olympics.com, praising Owens' four-gold-medal haul at the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a moment that transcended sport.
“He was just an amazing athlete… what he was able to accomplish in the short time he competed on the international stage is unprecedented and unmatched,” Johnson said.
“What he was up against abroad in ’36—as well as back home in the USA—makes his accomplishments all the more special… He is incomparable.”
While Owens topped Johnson’s male sprinter list, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was hailed as the greatest female sprinter. Johnson applauded the Jamaican icon for her longevity and consistency in the 100 meters.
When asked about the greatest personality in athletics, Johnson had no hesitation in naming Usain Bolt, citing the Jamaican’s global appeal, charisma, and showmanship.
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He also picked his own 4x400m relay team from the 1993 World Championships as the best relay squad of all time—a team that still holds the world record. For the next big star, Johnson spotlighted Roshawn Clarke, Jamaica’s promising 400m hurdles talent.
Fans Erupt Online: "Bolt Is the GOAT"
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Johnson’s refusal to crown Bolt as the greatest male sprinter has split opinions across the internet. Jamaican commentator Oral Tracey didn’t mince words, blasting the opinion as “chatting crap” on his YouTube channel.
Replying on the comments section, most fans gave mixed reactions, but most of them were in agreement.
@Kingmanking11011 wrote: “He is still in his feelings because Bolt wiped out all of his records.”
@AngellaPhillips-l6r added: “If Usain was a US athlete Michael Johnson would have said he’s the greatest athlete of all time. Him too bad mind.”
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@johnkennedy8640 wrote: “ How delusional is Michael Johnson...He also wanted to be called the world's fastest man, when he won the 200m at the 1996 Olympics! So they decided to have a race-off with Canadian 100m olympic champion, Donovan Bailey..the rest is history.”
Other fans highlighted Bolt’s unique dominance, clean record, and electrifying presence on the global stage.
@Dewdrops7560 commented: “Everyone knows Usain Bolt is the greatest sprinter of all generations. Jesse Owens was like a one-hit wonder.”
Still, some offered a more nuanced view, acknowledging that Owens’ legacy was tied to a larger historical struggle.
@GladwinAbel explained: “Jesse Owens is his idol and the reason he became a sprinter… It's like how some people know Jordan is the GOAT, but still pick Kobe because of inspiration.”
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Despite hailing Bolt as the sport’s greatest “personality,” Johnson’s choice has clearly touched a nerve. The debate now revolves around whether historical symbolism outweighs raw athletic dominance.
While Jesse Owens remains a powerful symbol of courage and resistance, Usain Bolt’s supremacy on the track—with world records in both the 100m and 200m—makes a compelling case for GOAT status.
So, who really is the greatest male sprinter of all time—Owens for what he represented, or Bolt for what he accomplished?
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