U.S. Track and Field Legend, Who Bagged 4 Olympic Golds, Takes a Trip Down Memory Lane To Revisit Horrifying Incident

Doctors often attribute a healthy lifestyle as a key preventive measure for strokes and other related conditions. But the body is a mysterious and complex system, and even the most fit individuals sometimes defy these expectations. Such was the case for Michael Johnson, a 4-time Olympic gold medalist, and America’s brightest track star. After a glamorous career in sports that saw eight World Championship victories, Johnson suffered a stroke at the age of 50, leaving him partially paralyzed.

Walking, running, and jogging are the three most advised forms of exercise for stroke prevention. However, when Michael Johnson, who had devoted his whole life to sprinting and was one of the fastest men on earth, suffered a stroke in 2018, the doctors were certainly stumped. Not for a moment did the Olympian think it was the end of his life, but a new beginning. Now, he is sharing the captivating tale of his recovery journey full of tear-jerking moments and inspirational triumphs.

Michael Johnson?s journey after stroke

Michael Johnson was paralyzed on his left side and could not walk. The 50-year-old left no stone unturned to regain his mobility and independence. In a recent interview with CNBC International, the track and field icon laid bare his whole journey to recovery. A small clip from the interview was shared on the CNBC International Twitter page with the post, ?Four-time gold Olympic medalist, Michael Johnson, reveals to Tania Bryer how he used his athletics training to recover from having a stroke in 2010?.

During the interview, he said, ?I was extremely, extremely, extremely lucky to having been an Olympic athlete because I understood the sort of incremental, improvements that are so minute on a daily basis that most people may not even realize and you get discouraged?.

He failed a number of times in his attempts to stand up on his two feet. However, he did not allow failures to dictate his next move. ?I am still going to come back tomorrow? Because of being able to be in that mindset that I had developed as an athlete when I am trying to get the best from myself?, said Johnson. Now, he instructs other stroke victims to trust the process and give themselves and their bodies the time needed to get better. He used his own example to assert his findings in this matter.

Practising his preachings

Michael Johnson needed to stay patient for several months and not exert himself. He needed physical therapy at least thrice a week and was allowed very few workouts. But he was dying to get back to his prime form. Slowly, with exercise, the former sprinting champ recovered motor skills in his fingers and limbs. For the sake of his mental recovery, he played memory games and crossword puzzles on the iPad. Throughout the day, he would take many naps to recover the strength in his body.

Read More: 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Johnson Remains the Only Man in History to Have Achieved This Tremendous Feat

In six months, Michael Johnson was back to his former self and was living an independent life. However, there were some residual problems in his left leg while trying out intricate and power-packed movements. Now, four years later, the legend is feeling fit and is an inspiration to all, especially those walking in his shoes.

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