Indian middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson has announced his retirement from competitive athletics, concluding a remarkable career spanning 15 years.
Career Highlights
Johnson competed in the 800m at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where he became the first Indian male runner to qualify for the event since Sriram Singh in 1980. He ended his career boasting the 1500m national record, which he set at the ISTAF Berlin meet in 2019, clocking a time of 3:35.24.
In a heartfelt social media post, Jinson reflected on his journey, saying, “From a boy with a dream started the journey from Kolkata and reached up to Asian Games podium in Hangzhou 2023. Thank you Athletics. Some journeys are measured in meters and seconds. Some are measured in tears, sacrifices, faith, and the people who never let you fall.”
Medal Achievements
The 34-year-old athlete is a three-time Asian Games medallist, having won gold in the 1500m in 2018, silver in the 800m in 2018, and bronze in the 1500m in 2023. He also earned silver and bronze medals at the Asian Athletics Championships in 2015 and 2017, respectively.
In 2018, Jinson set the 800m national record, breaking Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old record with a time of 1:45.65. This record was later surpassed by Mohammed Afsal in 2025.
Retirement Reflections
As he steps away from competitive athletics, Jinson expressed, “I do so with humility, gratitude, and peace. The track taught me discipline, resilience, and respect. Though I retire from racing, athletics will always live in my heart.”
He concluded his post with a message of appreciation: “Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you, India.”