Olympian Joshson retires from competitive athletics

Olympian Jinson Johnson announced his retirement from competitive athletics on Wednesday, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned nearly 15 years at the top level of Indian middle-distance running.

“From a boy with a dream, the journey started in Kolkata and reached the Asian Games podium in Hangzhou 2023. I was blessed to represent my country at the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Every time I wore the tricolour, I ran not just with my legs but with my heart,” Johnson wrote in an emotional message shared on social media.

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“Thank you athletics. Some journeys are measured in metres and seconds. Some are measured in tears, sacrifices, faith and the people who never let you fall,” he added.

Johnson’s journey through the sport was defined by adaptability and perseverance. Though he began as a 200m runner in his early years, he gradually shifted focus to middle-distance events, identifying the 800m and 1500m as better suited to his evolving strengths.

His breakthrough on the global stage came when he qualified for the men’s 800m at the Rio 2016 Olympics. While he finished fifth in his heat and missed out on the semi-finals, his qualification itself was historic, making him the first Indian male athlete to compete in the Olympic 800m since Sriram Singh at the Moscow Games in 1980.

Johnson’s career was not without setbacks. A series of injuries, followed by a bout of Covid-19, derailed his preparations and ultimately ruled him out of contention for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Despite those challenges, he returned to peak form on the continental stage, producing some of the finest performances of his career.

At the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Johnson delivered a standout showing, claiming gold in the 1500m and silver in the 800m. He added another Asian Games medal five years later in Hangzhou, where he secured bronze in the 1500m, underlining his longevity and consistency at the highest level.

His success extended to the Asian Athletics Championships as well, where he won silver in 2015 and bronze in 2017. One of the defining markers of his career was his national record in the 1500m, which he set at the ISTAF Berlin meet in 2019 with a time of 3:35.24, a record that still stands. Johnson had also previously held the national record in the 800m.

Johnson, who famously bears the Olympic rings tattooed on his right arm, signed off in an emotional note.

“As I step away from competitive athletics, I do so with humility, gratitude, and peace. The track taught me discipline, resilience, and respect. Though I retire from racing, athletics will always live in my heart.

“Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you, India,” the post read.