Ben Johnson (American sprinter) facts for kids
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Johnson in 1933
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| Personal information | |
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| Birth name | Benjamin Washington Johnson |
| Born | 1914 Virginia |
| Died | 1992 (aged 77–78) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 150 lb (68 kg) |
Benjamin Washington Johnson (1914–1992) was a super fast American runner. He was known as a big rival to the famous Olympic champion Jesse Owens. People called him the "Columbia Comet" because he was so quick! In 1938, Ben became the United States champion for the 100-yard race. Sadly, injuries and the start of World War II stopped him from competing in the Olympics.
Later in life, he made history again. He became one of the first African-Americans to reach the high rank of colonel in the United States Army.
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Ben Johnson's Early Life
Ben Johnson was born in Brooklyn, New York. His mother, Ellen Washington, was the great aunt of the famous actor Denzel Washington. When he was young, Ben and his parents lived in an apartment above a horse stable. His father worked there.
By 1920, Ben's family moved to Hamilton, Virginia. After his father passed away, Ben and his mother moved again. First, they went to Lower Merion, Pennsylvania. Then, around 1929, they moved to Plymouth, Pennsylvania.
High School Track Star
Ben went to Plymouth High School. He joined the track and field team in his first year. In May 1930, he competed in the Pennsylvania state finals. This event was held in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Ben finished third in the 220-yard dash.
As a junior, Ben kept doing well in track. He broke state records in both the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes. He was even asked to compete in the 1932 Olympic Trials in California. At first, Ben couldn't go because of the travel costs. But local people raised money for him! They called it the "Ben Johnson Olympic Fund." Even with the funds, Ben was eliminated early in the 200-meter races at the trials.
College Running Career
After high school, Ben Johnson went to Columbia University. He studied political science there. He also joined the Columbia Lions track team.
Big Wins and Challenges
In 1935, Ben won the AAU indoor title for the 60 meters. He even matched Jesse Owens's world best time of 6.6 seconds! But an injury stopped him from competing for the rest of that season.
In 1936, the year of the Olympics, Ben got injured again. This happened at the AAU Championships. It was just one week before the Olympic Trials.
In 1937, Ben was known as "The Columbia Comet." At the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) outdoor championships, he won three titles! He won the 100 yards, 220 yards, and the long jump. He was the first athlete in the 1900s to do this. That same year, he also won the NCAA 220-yard title.
In 1938, Ben competed at the Millrose Games. He won the 60-yard title. People thought he set a new world record of 6.0 seconds. But this time was not officially accepted. So, he was credited with 6.1 seconds, which still matched the world's best time. In 1938, he also won his third AAU indoor title at 60 yards. He had won this title before in 1935 and 1937.
Ben won the 100 yards at the AAU (USA National Track and Field) Championships in 1938. He was considered the best sprinter in the world that year. Unfortunately, he got sick with measles, which cut his season short.
Life After Running
After graduating from college, Ben Johnson worked as a teacher. He taught at the Bordertown Manual Training School.
In 1942, he joined the United States Army. He worked his way up to the rank of Colonel. This was a big achievement, as he was one of the first African-Americans to reach this high rank. He left the army in 1968. Then, he went back to school and earned a master's degree from Maryland University.
Afterward, Ben lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. He led their program that helps make sure everyone has a fair chance. Ben Johnson passed away in December 1992.
Awards and Honors
- In 1971, Ben Johnson was chosen for the first group of people in the Wyoming Valley Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 1985, he was also inducted into the first group of the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 2006, Ben Johnson became a member of the first group in the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Images for kids
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Ben Johnson, 1931, President Sophomore Class, Plymouth High School, Plymouth, Pennsylvania.
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Ben Johnson, Front Row No. 20, Plymouth High School, Plymouth, Pennsylvania, Track Team 1931.
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Ben Johnson, Captain of Track Team, Plymouth High School, 1933.
