TRACK AND FIELD : Johnson Last in Four-Man Field in Ottawa

Ben Johnson finished last in his 50-meter sprint Saturday at the Ottawa Winternational Indoor Games, but the former world record holder called it a promising outing nonetheless.

“Everything is there now,” said Johnson, moments after finishing fourth in a time of 5.88 seconds.

“The knees are 100% now, so I’m very happy.”

American Boris Goins won in a slow 5.78 seconds, followed by Canada’s Donovan Bailey, who clocked the same time. Houston McTear of the United States was third in 5.87 seconds.

The world indoor record over 50 meters is 5.61 seconds.

Johnson, 31, missed the Hamilton Indoor Games last week after suffering tendinitis in his knees.

Last year, Johnson set Canadian indoor records over 50 yards (5.35 seconds) and 55 meters (6.20 seconds) at the Ottawa meet in only his second race after a two-year drug suspension.

But his trademark explosive start bombed Saturday, as he appeared to falter coming out of the blocks.

“I got a good start but I stumbled,” said Johnson. “I almost fell down.”