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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Johnson Runs Away With Sullivan Award

From Staff And Wire Reports

Track star Michael Johnson, who became the first man to win Olympic gold in the 200 and 400 meters, was named winner of the Sullivan Award for best amateur athlete of 1996 on Friday.

His 200-meter time of 19.32 seconds at Atlanta smashed his own world record of 19.66 and his 400-meter time of 43.49 was an Olympic record, breaking the mark of 43.50 set by Quincy Watts at the 1992 games.

“1996 was indeed a career year for me in winning two Olympic gold medals,” Johnson said. “Winning this award is a great acknowledgment of these achievements.”

Other Sullivan finalists were Gail Devers (track and field), Teresa Edwards (basketball), Michelle Kwan (ice skating), Shannon Miller (gymnastics), Dan O’Brien (track and field), Dot Richardson (softball), Amy Van Dyken (swimming), Tiger Woods (golf) and Danny Wuerffel (football).