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Motivation not a problem for Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson was the star of the 1996 Atlanta Games. The American made track history by powering his way to the 200 and 400-meter titles. This year -- despite failing to qualify for the 200 meters after pulling up injured in the final of the US Olympic trials -- Johnson believes he is in even better physical condition than he was four years ago. "At this point I am in as good a shape if not better than I was in the summer of '96," Johnson says. "I started this season much faster than I have ever started before and so I feel great about where I am." For a man who has won it all, motivation could be a problem. But while he feels he is at his best, Johnson is happy to continue his track career. "I don't need to go out," he says. "I could have just retired after I broke the world record in the 400 last year and said okay I have done everything. So I am taking a risk and I enjoy risks. So the motivation is to not mess this up." Whether Johnson wins gold in Sydney or not, he will always be remembered as one of the greats in the sport. And there is always the Athens Olympics in 2004, if he feels like extending his career a while longer.
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