History Daily Ben Johnson’s Olympic Gold
Sep 24, 2025
In September 1988, Ben Johnson claimed gold in the 100 meters at the Seoul Olympics, only to face a shocking downfall just days later. The intense rivalry with Carl Lewis adds a thrilling layer, while early doping tests reveal significant flaws. Highlights include Johnson's meteoric rise and the consequences of his failed drug test, sparking a scandal that rocked the sports world. The fallout led to sweeping changes in anti-doping regulations and shaped the future of athletics.
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Historic Finish And Podium Moment
- Ben Johnson shocked the world by winning the 100m final in Seoul and setting a new world record of 9.79 seconds.
- He celebrated on the podium while Carl Lewis stood disappointed with the silver medal.
Testing Gaps Enabled Widespread Doping
- Drug testing labs detected banned substances but often faced loopholes and missing samples that undermined enforcement.
- Technological limits and institutional reluctance let many drug users evade consequences in the 1980s.
Rome Upset And Rising Suspicions
- At the 1987 World Championships Ben Johnson beat Carl Lewis with a shockingly fast 9.83 run and celebrated while Lewis reacted angrily.
- Lewis suspected a false start and later implied Johnson's sudden improvement was drug-related.
