Lambton resident Cheswill Johnson will represent South Africa in the 100m heat at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Johnson diligently trained at Germiston Stadium to prepare for this prestigious athletic event.
A former soccer player, Johnson transitioned to athletics during his matric year.
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“I used to be a striker in soccer, but switched to full-back because I could outrun strikers and counter an offensive counter,” said Johnson.
“I was eager to study everything and gradually developed as a talent in the athletics world. When I started to compete, I took home trophies in the long jump and the 100m.
“When I competed in track and field for the first time, I felt like the fastest person on the planet,” Johnson said.
His journey to becoming an Olympic contender began when he started training at Germiston Stadium and crossed paths with Maria Diamond, who became his coach.
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Reflecting on his athletic journey, Johnson remarked on his transition from soccer to track and field, emphasising his natural speed and agility.
His dedication and talent quickly earned him recognition, with Johnson securing victories in events like the long jump and the 100m.
As he gears up for the world stage in Paris, Johnson expressed his confidence and determination to excel.
He will compete in both the 100m individual and relay events, with aspirations of breaking records and securing sponsorships.
Looking beyond the Olympics, Johnson has his sights set on competing in the prestigious Diamond League, where he will run against the world’s top athletes.
Despite the challenges ahead, Johnson remains undeterred, fuelled by his ambition and the support of his coaches and peers.
In acknowledging the talent and potential of the younger generation of athletes in South Africa, Johnson expressed optimism for the future of athletics in the nation.
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He credited the dedication of coaches and the growing strength and hunger of aspiring athletes as key factors driving the sport forward.
As Johnson prepares to embark on his journey to Paris, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of his community and nation, eager to make his mark on the global stage.
