Michael Johnson Foundation

THE MISSION Michael Johnson Young Leaders is an initiative of the Michael Johnson Foundation that provides extraordinary young people from around the world who have overcome adversity with the practical tools they need to lead change for themselves, their community and wider society - all using the power of sport. THE JOURNEY SO FAR Michael Johnson is the first man ever to be ranked number one in the world at both 200 and 400 meters, and the first to win both events at an Olympic Games. He retired with four Olympic gold medals and nine World Championship golds' to his name. Through his work with multiple charities, Michael also saw the ability sports had to changes lives of the most... read more THE MISSION Michael Johnson Young Leaders is an initiative of the Michael Johnson Foundation that provides extraordinary young people from around the world who have overcome adversity with the practical tools they need to lead change for themselves, their community and wider society - all using the power of sport. THE JOURNEY SO FAR Michael Johnson is the first man ever to be ranked number one in the world at both 200 and 400 meters, and the first to win both events at an Olympic Games. He retired with four Olympic gold medals and nine World Championship golds' to his name. Through his work with multiple charities, Michael also saw the ability sports had to changes lives of the most disadvantaged. While supporting many organizations using sports as a catalyst for change over the last 20 years, Michael saw an opportunity for a unique program, which would provide some of the most talented of young people benefitting from these organizations with tangible tools that would enable them not just to change their own lives, but to make a bigger impact - on their community and on society as a whole. Michael started his own foundation to provide those opportunities to young people who have overcome adversity and demonstrated a desire to use their own experience to help others. Carefully selecting each young person, he personally looks after the development of the Michael Johnson Young Leaders so they have the leadership skills and tools to give back to their communities and trigger wider change through sport. Each year, Michael Johnson, along with partners and experts, identify the Young Leaders through local community sport organizations from all over the world. Applications are not open to the public - All candidates have a nominating organization that puts them forward and supports them throughout the process. WHO ARE MICHAEL JOHNSON YOUNG LEADERS Young individuals who have faced and overcome adversity, have a passion for sport, commitment to their community, and the potential for leadership have the opportunity to become a Young Leaders. Each Young Leader is individually selected to attend an intensive week of training in Dallas, Texas where they participate in intensive courses in the areas of leadership, community and sport at Michael Johnson Performance Center. As the Young Leaders reach the end of this training, they are committed to their selected track (leadership, community, or sport) and learn of the funding, resources, and support for their community projects for the year ahead.