Asian Games Gold Medalist and Olympian Jinson Johnson Retires
Jinson Johnson Announces Retirement After 15 Years
Asian Games gold-winning Indian middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson has announced his retirement from athletics after a remarkable 15-year career. Johnson, who won three medals at the Asian Games and represented India at the Rio 2016 Olympics, shared the news through an emotional Instagram post reflecting on his long journey in the sport.
An Emotional Farewell Message on Instagram
“From a boy with a dream, the journey started from Kolkata and reached the Asian Games podium in Hangzhou 2023. Thank you, athletics,” Johnson wrote. He added that some journeys are measured not in seconds or meters, but in sacrifices, faith, tears, and the people who never let you fall.
Transition From Sprinting to Middle-Distance Running
Johnson initially preferred the 200m event while growing up. However, he later transitioned to middle-distance races, where he found greater success. Over time, he established himself as one of India’s strongest runners at the continental level.
Gold and Silver at the Jakarta Asian Games
His biggest breakthrough came at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, where he won the 1500m gold medal with a timing of 3 minutes 44.72 seconds. In the same event, he also added a silver medal, showcasing his dominance among Asia’s best runners.
Bronze Medal at Hangzhou Asian Games
The 34-year-old Kerala athlete continued his strong form by winning a 1500m bronze medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. He also claimed a silver medal in the 2015 Asian Athletics Championships and a bronze medal in the 2017 edition, highlighting his consistency over the years.
National Records in 800m and 1500m
Johnson leaves behind a legacy of two national records. In 2018, he broke Sriram Singh’s 800m national record at the National Inter-State Championships in Guwahati with a time of 1 minute 45.65 seconds. The same year, he shattered Bahadur Prasad’s 23-year-old 1500m national record at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, clocking 3 minutes 37.86 seconds.
Historic Olympic Qualification at Rio 2016
Although Johnson did not finish on the podium at the Rio 2016 Olympics, his qualification itself was historic. He became the first Indian runner since 1980 to qualify for the 800m event, following the trail blazed by Sriram Singh.
Gratitude to Coaches and Support System
In his farewell note, Johnson thanked his coaches, fellow athletes, the government, and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for their constant support. He credited them for turning pain into progress and struggle into strength, saying his journey was never his alone. Follow for more updates, FM News.
