What happened to Ben Johnson, the sprinter who was banned for life? | Capital

ben johnson He took the title of the fastest man in the world when he won the final of the 100 meters in the Seoul Olympics 1988. His career of 9.79 seconds he received the applause and admiration of sports lovers. However, his glory was short-lived, as the following day it was reported that he had tested positive for doping.

Ben Johnson was suspended forever

ben johnson born in Jamaica, but he was naturalized Canadian years later. Being a representative of Canada, he began his career keeping a low profile, as he was defeated seven times by the American carl lewis.

Before the Seoul Olympics, Johnson he was injured for a year while Lewis stayed in the race and put in good performances. However, against all odds, Johnson broke a record with 9.79 seconds and won the gold medal. A feat that was surprising, but also caused a lot of suspicion. A few hours later, it was confirmed that the Canadian tested positive for Stanozolol, so the compliments received turned into criticism.

In 1989, Johnson admitted that he had used steroids on the recommendation of his trainer and GP, claiming that he did not know what it produced in his body or what they were used for. Although he was banned for two years, Johnson did not show a great performance again.

By 1993, he won a 50-meter event and almost broke the world record, but he was drug-tested and tested positive for testosterone. This time, he was banned for life and all records of him were erased. Although he returned some time later, he tested positive for the third time and did not run again.

What happened to Ben Johnson?

After his retirement, he became the personal trainer of sports stars such as Diego Armando Maradona. Also, trained the son of the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafiwho wanted to start a career as a footballer.

On the other hand, he tried to launch his own line of clothing and supplements, but failed. In 2006, she participated in the advertising of an energy drink ‘Cheetah Power Surge’, in which he made fun of his case and generated public rejection. In 2017, he reappeared in an ad for a bookmaker app saying he “tested positive for speed and power, time and time again,” again poking fun at the scandal that ended his career. .