In a significant moment for Indian athletics, national record-holder and Asian Games champion Jinson Johnson has announced his retirement from competitive running. The 34-year-old from Kerala brought down the curtain on a distinguished 15-year career on Wednesday, citing a desire for "something new" after a journey defined by intense dedication and physical challenges.
A Glittering Career of Podium Finishes and Records
Johnson, who last competed at the Hangzhou Asian Games in October 2023 where he clinched a 1500m bronze medal, decided to step away from the track. His career reached its zenith at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, where he delivered a stunning performance to win the 1500m gold medal with a time of 3 minutes 44.72 seconds. He also secured a silver medal in the 800m event during the same Games, showcasing his versatility as a middle-distance runner.
Reflecting on his journey on Instagram, Johnson wrote, "From a boy with a dream started the journey from Kolkata and reached up to Asian Games podium in Hangzhou 2023. Thank you Athletics." He poignantly added, "Some journeys are measured in meters and seconds. Some are measured in tears, sacrifices, faith, and the people who never let you fall."
Breaking Barriers and Setting National Marks
Johnson's legacy is firmly etched in the record books. In a historic feat in 2018, he shattered the legendary Sriram Singh's 42-year-old men's 800m national record at the National Inter-State Championship in Guwahati, clocking 1 minute 45.65 seconds. Although this record was later surpassed by Mohammed Afsal in 2025, the achievement remains a cornerstone of his career.
His prowess in the 1500m was equally remarkable. During the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, he broke Bahadur Prasad's 23-year-old national record with a time of 3 minutes 37.86 seconds, finishing fifth in a highly competitive final. He further honed this record, improving it twice with his personal best standing at 3:35.24 seconds, set at a Berlin meet in 2019.
"Breaking two National Records and contributing to Indian athletics remains one of the proudest moments of my life," Johnson stated. "I was blessed to represent my Country at 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."
The Journey: From Kolkata to Global Stages
Johnson traced the start of his athletic path to 2007 in Kolkata, where he won his first school national medal. "I did not know then where this road would lead me. I only knew one thing -- I wanted to run for India," he recalled. What followed was a life of extreme commitment. "A life shaped by relentless training, quiet struggles, painful injuries, lonely tracks, comebacks that tested my soul, and moments that made every sacrifice worth it," he described.
The year 2018 was undoubtedly his peak. Ranked as the top athlete in Asia, he earned the honour of representing the Asia-Pacific region at the IAAF World Continental Cup in Ostrava. However, his career faced a severe setback in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a debilitating Achilles tendon injury. After a gruelling three-year period of recovery and setbacks, he made a triumphant return to win the bronze medal in Hangzhou, which he has now revealed was his final race.
In his farewell note, Johnson extended heartfelt gratitude to his coaches, fellow athletes, the government, and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for their unwavering support. "This journey was never mine alone... thank you for pushing me every single day. You turned pain into progress and struggle into strength. I would not be the athlete I am without you," he concluded, marking the end of an era for Indian middle-distance running.
