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It was 11 Years Ago Today - June 1, 1997

June 1, 2008 by Jimson Lee

This event was the highly anticipated Michael Johnson - Donovan Bailey “match” race at 150m at the Skydome, Toronto (Donovan’s home turf)

After the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where Michael Johnson won both the 200m and 400m, he claimed to be the World’s Fastest Man. Normally, that title is given to the 100m winner. If there was a 40 yard dash in the Olympics, then that winner would probably determine the World’s Fastest Man.

The controversy and hype that surrounded this question led to a distance halfway between the 100m and 200m: The 150 meters.

Each were paid $500,000 appearance fee, and an extra $1,000,000 was given to the winner. $1.5 Million dollars is not bad for under 15 seconds of work.

Unfortunately, I cold only find the CBS Feed on Youtube. I may have the CBC version stashed somewhere in my VHS archives. For those who remember, Donovan lashed out on Michael Johnson calling him a “chicken & coward” and that “he faked the injury”. Michael showed a little more grace.

After all, when you lose, don’t be too sad. But when you win, don’t be too happy either.

Donovan later apologized for the remarks, saying his emotions got to him.

Do you remember where you were when this was televised live? I was sitting in a Hockey Arena Sports Bar in Surrey.


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Written by Jimson Lee · Filed Under Track and Field, Videos 

Comments

5 Responses to “It was 11 Years Ago Today - June 1, 1997”

  1. Terrell Owens Celebrations and Usain Bolt “Nuh Linga” Victory Dance | SpeedEndurance.com on September 15th, 2008 12:02 am

    […] Donovan Bailey’s “Michael Johnson was chicken” remarks after the ill-fated 150m dash at the skydome? However, when the player needs props like a cell phone or Sharpie magic marker, the celebration […]

  2. Worlds Fastest Female Sprinter - in 4 inch heels? | SpeedEndurance.com on October 23rd, 2008 12:11 am

    […] 9 cm heels. I saw this video over a year ago, but I thought it was a one hit wonder, just like the 150 meter match race against Donovan Bailey and Michael Johnson. I don’t know about you, but I get chills […]

  3. Blood Doping vs. Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP Therapy | SpeedEndurance.com on February 18th, 2009 9:01 pm

    […] right?). Vigorous rehabilitation along with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (which was made famous by Donovan Bailey during his rehab of his Achilles tendon tear) are also prescribed to make the procedure successful. […]

  4. Usain Bolt to Run 150 meter Street Race in Manchester | SpeedEndurance.com on March 18th, 2009 8:40 am

    […] of Donovan Bailey and Michael Johnson. Back in 1997 when they contested the dual race, my initial thoughts were the track dimensions and surface. Was it going to be a 75 meter curve and […]

  5. Sebastian Coe - The Winning Mind: My Inside Track on Great Leadership | SpeedEndurance.com on April 8th, 2009 6:41 am

    […] of Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis between 1984-1988, but that feuded the Canada vs. USA war, just like Michael Johnson and Donovan Bailey in 1996 & 1997. Rivalries brings out the best of you. Where are you now Patrice Doucet? […]

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