Post-Race Collision Mars Johnson’s 100-Meter Win
Ben Johnson of Canada won the 100-meter dash, equaling his world-best time this year of 9.95 seconds--then collided with one photographer and punched another at a track and field meet Sunday at Cologne, West Germany.
Johnson won the race by two yards over Calvin Smith of the United States (10.09) and Chidi Imoh of Nigeria (10.29).
About 12 yards beyond the finish, Johnson’s left knee struck a photographer who was positioned in his path, and Johnson fell.
“I tried to go wide of him, but clipped him with my knee and flipped over about three times,” said Johnson, who complained of a pain in his lower back.
“While I was on the floor, another photographer was pushing my coach out of the way, so I got up and punched him. I’ve hurt my back slightly, but it won’t stop me from running in Zurich on Wednesday.”
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