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Paris Olympics: Michael Johnson backs US to double podium in men’s 100m, questions Africa’s chances
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 10.07.24. | 21:42
Africa is represented by 17 athletes who have qualified for the 100m with Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and Akani Simbine from South Africa being strong contenders.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has backed his compatriots to clinch a double podium in the men’s 100m at the Paris Olympics but posed a question as to whether Africa can achieve the same feat.
The US has a formidable three-man team set to battle at the 100m that includes triple World Champion Noah Lyles, reigning Olympics 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek and 2022 World Champion Fred Kerley.
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The US Olympics trials were so cut-throat that Christian Coleman, an Olympic silver medalist who entered the trials as a top competitor missed out on the global showpiece after finishing fourth.
Four-time Olympic champion, Johnson admitted that the men’s 100m is suddenly much more exciting than it was just a few weeks ago but the women’s had fallen off pace recently.
When asked whether America could achieve a double podium in the men’s 100m, Johnson noted that the feat is attainable but asked if Africa could also do so.
“Yes. US has 2 World Champs: Noah and Fred. Kenny has deep championship experience at 200 and running well at 100. Jamaica could also. Kishane running like a beast right now but don’t sleep on Oblique. 4th in the last two WCH finals! Question is can Africa put two on the podium?” said Johnson.
Africa is represented by 17 athletes who have qualified for the 100m with Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and Akani Simbine from South Africa being strong contenders.
Since the start of the Olympics in 1896, Africa has failed to achieve a double podium finish in the 100m with only Reggie Walker from South Africa in 1908 and Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks attaining a podium finish.
Omanyala has however been in scintillating form in recent weeks, qualifying for the Olympics with a time of 9.79 while Tebogo achieved his season's best of 9.99 seconds in Szekesfehervar, Hungary on Tuesday.
