Olympian Michael Johnson to Host Local Student-Athletes

On Saturday, January 24th the Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney will look more like a track and field meet than an elite training facility for athletes. Sponsored by NIKE Running and local running specialty retailer Run On!, "Spike Night" is meant to provide DFW area High School and Middle School track and field athletes with a unique demonstration by one of the greatest track and field athletes in history. "When Run On! approached us about this event we jumped at it," commented Brad Hunt, MJPC Operating Partner. "Michael was really energized about this great opportunity to showcase our facility but also to help the track and field athletes throughout the metroplex." There will be two, three-hour sessions during the day with the morning session beginning at 9:00 AM and the afternoon session beginning at 1:00 PM. Each session will include a discussion about track and field training, updates on spike and training shoe technology from NIKE Running, exclusive discounted shopping experience from Run On!, and a demonstration on proper technique by Michael Johnson. "To be able to host such a unique event in my hometown and in my facility is very exciting for me. It wasn't that long ago that I was running on the track at Skyline High School , "added Michael Johnson. "If there had been an event like this around me when I was growing up you would have had to tie me down to not attend it," added Michael Johnson. In 1996 Michael Johnson became the only man in Olympic history to win both the 200m and 400m events at the same Olympics. In 2000 Johnson became the only athlete in Olympic history to successfully defend their 400m championship. In total Michael won four Olympic gold medals and was crowned World Champion nine times, the most of any athlete in track and field history. It is free to attend the event but because space is limited it is requested that athletes RSVP by visiting www.myspace.com/runontexas or by sending you name and contact information to elindberg@dfwruns.com. About Michael Johnson's Performance Center The Michael Johnson Performance Center, located at Craig Ranch in McKinney, is one of the world's leading athlete performance training centers. Since opening in June 2007, the MJPC has helped athletes of every ability achieve their goals and reach improved levels of athletic performance. With advanced technology and a proven successful training philosophy, the MJPC has become the chosen training facility for athletes from middle school to professionals.