Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 7: Indian middle-distance star Jinson Johnson announced his retirement from competitive athletics on Wednesday, drawing the curtain on an illustrious career that spanned nearly 15 years and left a lasting mark on the country’s track history.

Johnson, who represented India in the 800m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, retires as the national record holder in the 1500m. He set the benchmark with a timing of 3:35.24 at the ISTAF Berlin meet in 2019, a performance that remains one of the finest by an Indian middle-distance runner.

His appearance at the Rio Olympics was historic, making him the first Indian male athlete to qualify for the 800m at the Games since Sriram Singh achieved the feat at Moscow in 1980.

Announcing his decision on social media, Johnson reflected on his journey with deep emotion. “From a boy with a dream who started his journey in Kolkata to standing on the Asian Games podium in Hangzhou 2023, this has been a life-defining path,” he wrote. “Some journeys are measured in meters and seconds, others in sacrifices, faith, tears, and the people who never let you fall.”

The 34-year-old expressed pride in representing India on the world’s biggest stages, including the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. “Every time I wore the tricolour, I ran not just with my legs, but with my heart,” he said.

Johnson leaves the sport as one of India’s most decorated middle-distance runners. He won three medals at the Asian Games — gold in the 1500m and silver in the 800m at Jakarta 2018, followed by a bronze in the 1500m at Hangzhou 2023. He also claimed silver and bronze medals at the Asian Athletics Championships in 2015 and 2017.

In 2018, Johnson etched his name into the record books by breaking Sriram Singh’s long-standing 800m national record with a time of 1:45.65, ending a 42-year wait. That record stood until it was surpassed by Mohammed Afsal in 2025.

“As I step away from competitive athletics, I do so with humility, gratitude and peace,” Johnson wrote in his farewell message. “The track taught me discipline, resilience and respect. Even though I retire from racing, athletics will always remain a part of who I am.”

He concluded his message with a heartfelt note of thanks to supporters and the nation: “Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you, India.”