Johnson’s Golden Spike Among Athletic Treasures on Display in Paris
by Philip Barker
A golden running shoe worn by Michael Johnson when he completed the 200m and 400m double in 1996 is to be put on display in Paris for the duration of the 2024 Olympics.
Johnson set a world record when he won the 200m at the Games.
Another set of world-record-breaking shoes will also form part of the exhibition. They belong to Alberto Juantorena of Cuba who won 400m and 800m setting a world record in the longer distance at the 1976 Montreal Games.
Items used by some 30 Olympic medallists will be part of the ‘pop up’ exhibition at the Westin Paris Hotel, Vendôme at 3 Rue de Castiglione, 75001, close to the Jardin Tuileries in Central Paris from July 24 to August 11.
The great Australian Herb Elliott’s vest and bib number from 1960 used when he set a world record to win the 1500m are amongst the historic items on show.
The collection also features shot used by Valerie Adams to win her second shot put gold medal in 2012.
There is also the accreditation card used by Fanny Blankers Koen who became known as the “Flying Dutchwoman” when she won four gold medals at the 1948 London Games.
Spikes worn by Irina Szewińska when she set a world record to win the 400m in Montreal for her third Olympic gold also form part of the exhibition.
Other items that can be seen include Nawal el Moutawakel’s spikes from her 400m hurdles triumph 40 years ago in Los Angeles. The vest worn by World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe when he won a second successive Olympic gold over 1500m at the same Games will also be seen.
The event has been organised by World Athletics Heritage & the Museum of World Athletics and has been done with the support of WA Heritage Patron Michael Burke.
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