Sprint Match Race Not For ‘Fastest’ Title

Donovan Bailey says his 150-meter match race against Michael Johnson will be Canada vs. the United States, flamboyance against intensity and a short sprinter taking on a long sprinter.

The June 1 race in Toronto will not, however, be for the title of “world’s fastest man,” said Bailey, the world record holder and Olympic 100 meter champion.

Johnson is the world record holder in the 200 meters and Olympic champion in the 200 and 400 meters.

“The fastest man runs on a straightaway,” Bailey said, alluding to the fact the 150-meter race will include 75 meters of curve and 75 of straightaway.

The race will open with a staggered start on the curve, with Bailey in Lane 2 and Johnson in Lane 3.

“Michael and I are the two biggest stars in track and field worldwide,” Bailey said. “We both train in Texas and we are from opposite countries. As far as the title is concerned, I mean, I don’t see it.”

Bailey said the race is more about marketing a sport. Each will get $500,000, the winner earning $1 million.