‘I’d do it again’: Ben Johnson has no remorse and is not done trying to clear his name

After winning the 100-metre final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, now remembered as “The dirtiest race in history,” Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson failed his drug test and was stripped of his gold medal. He later admitted to steroid use and has lived in ignominy since. In her new book World’s Fastest Man*: The Incredible Life of Ben Johnson, author Mary Ormsby raises serious questions about the science, procedures, and prejudices that led to Johnson’s disqualification. This is the last of three excerptsBen Johnson is not finished trying to clear his name and restore his reputation. Since 2019, he’s been working with an experienced sports lawyer to research his legal options. These include possibly filing a claim against World Athletics, formerly called the IAAF. Details are not clear, but it’s likely any litigation would involve restraint-of-trade and due-process allegations.