TheCable

Michael Johnson, the legendary American sprinter, has fired back at the critics who condemned him for casting doubts on Tobi Amusan’s world record-setting race.

In the early hours of Monday, Amusan set a new world record in the women’s 100 meters hurdles as she dipped 12.12 seconds in the semi-finals.

The Nigerian would then go on to clock a wind-aided 12.06 seconds in the final, winning the gold medal at the World Athletic Championship.

Following the race, Johnson, the four-time Olympic gold medal winner with Team USA, said he does not believe that the electric timer of the race is correct.

His comment attracted a wave of condemnatory remarks from Nigerians on Twitter — with some accusing him of “racism”.

In the wake of the growing backlash, the American, in another tweet on his verified Twitter handle, defended his stance.

He also described the criticism as “unacceptable.”

He added that he did not single out Amusan’s world record time but question the time of all athletes involved.

“As a commentator my job is to comment. In questioning the times of 28 athletes (not 1 athlete) by wondering if the timing system malfunctioned, I was attacked, accused of racism, and of questioning the talent of an athlete I respect and predicted to win. Unacceptable. I move on,” he tweeted.

As a commentator my job is to comment. In questioning the times of 28 athletes (not 1 athlete) by wondering if the timing system malfunctioned, I was attacked, accused of racism, and of questioning the talent of an athlete I respect and predicted to win. Unacceptable. I move on.

— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) July 25, 2022

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