Michael Johnson: Slaves' Descendants Make Better Athletes
by Free Britney at .U.S. Olympic track legend Michael Johnson, who won gold medals in 1992 and 1996 and posted numerous world records, made an eye-opening comment recently.
In an interview with the UK's Daily Mail, the sprinter posited that hard work and determination were mostly responsible for his world class athletic talent.
That and one other historical factor.
Michael Johnson explained, "All my life ... I believed I became an athlete through my own effort and determination, but it's impossible to think that being descended from slaves hasn't left an imprint through the generations."
"Difficult as it was to hear, slavery has benefited descendants like me ... I believe there is a superior athletic gene in us. Over the last few years, athletes of Afro-Caribbean and Afro-American descent have dominated athletics finals."
Johnson still holds the 400-meter world record. The all-time best 100- and 200-meter races were both run by Usain Bolt ... of Jamaica.
"It's a fact that hasn't been discussed openly before. It's a taboo subject in the States but it is what it is. Why shouldn't we discuss it?" Johnson adds.
Doesn't explain Michael Phelps, but it's an interesting theory.
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Comments (29 Total)
It is about genetics, class, education, upbringing, geographical location, culture, society, mentality, commitment etc etc etc. Race is only one attribute that (morons) associate with such subjects of which someone is better than someone else. Why are black people better athletes, why did the white Europeans shape the modern world. Why are their more Doctors per person in Israel (Jewish) than anywhere else. It has nothing to do with race or slavery but is a combination of many other things.
He should be canned, but america is scared of race and reliving the past so african americans can say anything they want and it's okay. I'm not saying that what Michael says is incorrect (I'm not a doctor), but Jimmy the Greek was persecuted for it. We have come a long way since 1988 about discussing race, still more to go, but why can't a Caucasian express their opinion without repercussions from African American community. Don Imus prime example, and there were several African American commentators that said something similar and no reprimands. Really. People wake up. If we are ALL equal than let the treatment be equal.
Now if that makes me seem racist, and mean, than this guy should of keep his mouth shut, and his opinion to himself, you know like us white people have to do.
I don't have a problem with anyone until they make remarks that they think make then look educated, intelligent, and superior, but use a crutch to back it up....And I do have a problem with these people using money for an education they never take seriously, because once they get out school they know they will get hired because the government believes in tax breaks, not who is necessarily better suited for a job, trust me I see it every day at my place of business, and have to work my ass of to cover mistakes "Affirmative Action" creates.
@What: Man, what an apt username...it reflects your basic cluelessness! Your choice of anti-female slurs are inexcusable though. I expressed my opinion without using one f-bomb or other fowl word. Nor did I put down in crude fashion men or blacks. Take a lesson, hun. You've got some sharp edges that need smoothing! Get after it!