Garrett Johnson had a most distinguished career at Tampa Baptist and later at Florida State University. He was dominant in high school, winning the shot put state title his junior year and then swept the throwing events at state his senior year before capping his career off with a 65-11.75 throw at adidas Outdoor Nationals (also threw the discus over 192 feet earlier that season). Four years later, he ended his fine career at Florida State by winning the NCAA title in the shot put both indoor and outdoor!
However, perhaps more impressive than his on-the field performances is his academic prowess. Among many other accolades, he was named a Rhodes Scholar and Academic All-American before going on to study at Oxford University. He is a fine example for our young athletes on and off the field.
Congrats to Garrett! The latest athlete featured from our flrunners.com All-Decade Team.
- flrunners.com Athlete Profile
---------------
- Jason Byrne (flrunners.com) When you reflect back on your high school career what are you most proud of?
- Garrett Johnson I am proud to have had my father as my coach and to have represented my high school across the state. I attended a very small high school, so I was often the only one.
- JB Who or what things made the biggest impacts on your success?
- GJ I was blessed with great parents and family who provided an incredible support system. I am also the baby of the family, so my dad was able to practice on my siblings - who were also throwers - and really had the technique down when it was my turn.
- JB Who were some of the athletes you remember that you loved competing against?
- GJ My brother and I were high school and college teammates, as we overlapped two years, so he was always an inspiration and my biggest competition. I also had the chance to compete and build friendship with some great athletes, with who I remain in contact. In fact Jet Theriac and I competed against each other in high school, as rivals in college ( he was a gator) and also in England, as he attended Cambridge while I was at Oxford.
- JB Besides a particular athletic accomplishment, what are some of your best memories from high school athletics?
- GJ Competing at the big meets - state, UF Relays, high school national - was always a highlight.
- JB You had some incredible success at FSU and were a Rhodes Scholar! Tell us about your time there.
- GJ Living in England and studying at Oxford was an incredible experience. I made friendships that will last a lifetime, competed in countries as far east as China, in South America and across Western Europe. I also earned a masters degree in my spare time, but that's the boring part.
- JB What are you doing now as far as career, competing, family?
- GJ I competed fulltime for the 2008/09 season. Having decided to "retire" from sport at the conclusion of the season, I am now living in DC and work on the US Senate Foreign Relation Committee.
- JB What advice would you give to today's high school athletes?
-
GJ I think track is the greatest sport in the world, but it is just sport. My parents have always encouraged me to be well rounded and passionately pursue my interest, which has worked for me thus far. I, like all athletes, must prepare for life after the crowd stops cheering, which can be difficult, but I am certain my best days are ahead of me.
Again, thanks for the honor