India's rising athletics star Jinson Johnson has announced his retirement from the sport after a stellar 15-year career. The Asian Games gold medalist and national record holder made the announcement via social media on Wednesday.
Sports News: Jinson Johnson, the Asian Games gold medalist and national record holder in middle-distance running, who helped elevate Indian athletics on the international stage, announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 34-year-old athlete from Kerala stated that it was time to start something new in life after a 15-year-long career.
Retirement Announcement with an Emotional Message
Johnson wrote on social media, “From a boy dreaming in Kolkata, this journey reached the podium of the Hangzhou Asian Games. Thank you, Athletics. Some journeys are measured in meters and seconds, and some in tears, sacrifice, faith, and the people who never let you fall.”
His message highlights his struggles, hard work, and the contribution of his team, which will remain an inspiring story for Indian athletics. The most memorable year of Jinson Johnson's career was 2018. He won a gold medal in the 1500m race at the Jakarta Asian Games, clocking a time of 3:44.72 seconds, and also secured a silver medal in the 800m.
In the same year, he broke the 42-year-old national record in the 800m held by veteran Sriram Singh at the National Inter-State Championships held in Guwahati. This achievement is considered one of the most inspiring moments of his career.
National and International Records
At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, he broke the 23-year-old national record in the 1500m, finishing with a time of 3:37.86. Subsequently, in 2019 at the Berlin Meet, he improved his own record to 3:35.24 seconds, proving his supremacy at the national level. Johnson said, “Breaking two national records and contributing to Indian athletics will remain one of the proudest moments of my life.”
His career faced setbacks after 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe Achilles tendon injury. After three years of challenging recovery, he made a remarkable comeback by winning a bronze medal in the 1500m race at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. This proved to be his last race at both the national and international levels.
Gratitude to the Country, Coach, and System
Johnson thanked his coach, fellow athletes, the government, and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), saying, “This journey wasn't mine alone. Heartfelt thanks to everyone working behind the scenes. You turned pain into strength and struggle into resilience.” Jinson Johnson has taken Indian middle-distance running to new heights internationally. His brilliant career has paved the way for a new generation of athletes. The Asian Games gold and Commonwealth record are a testament to his hard work and patriotism.
