Olympic track great Michael Johnson says he is recovering from a mini stroke last week.
The 50-year-old sprinter says on Twitter he “rather surprisingly” was stricken with a transient ischemic attack, known as a TIA or mini stroke. According to the Mayo Clinic, a TIA usually lasts only a few minutes and causes no permanent damage.
Johnson writes that he has been “cleared of any heart issues.” He adds that he is back home with family and has “already made great progress on my road to recovery.”
Johnson is a four-time Olympic gold medalist. At the 1996 Atlanta Games, he became the only male athlete to win the 200m and 400m at the same Olympics. He had held world and Olympic records in those events.
MORE: LeBron James meets track stars in Berlin
OlympicTalk is on Apple News. Favorite us!
It seems these things can affect anyone, even the once fastest man in the world! I'm no stranger to a good exercise plan and have thrown myself into it with my usual focus and determination.
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) September 8, 2018
In these situations being a former athlete has really helped with mindset but also a reminder that you need to take of yourself. For more information on what to look out for please check out https://t.co/s55Yf3rnPd
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) September 8, 2018
I will be posting updates on my recovery often. Thanks for all the words of encouragement!
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) September 8, 2018