Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson's 19.32-second world record in the 200m at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics remains one of the greatest single performances in sprint history, a mark that stood for 12 years. He became the only man to win Olympic gold in both the 200m and 400m at the same Games, a feat that outperforms #2 Usain Bolt’s dominance in shorter events. His unique upright running style, long misjudged by experts, delivered 4 Olympic gold medals total and a 400m world record of 43.18s that lasted 17 years. Compared to Maurice Greene at #6, Johnson's 200m record was 0.57 seconds faster, and his 400m gold set him apart from any other sprinter on this list with a time 2.3 seconds faster than the average 400m champion.