Noel Johnson (athlete)
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Noel Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 7, 1899 Heron Lake, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | January 21, 1996 (aged 96) San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Advanced age marathon runner and athlete |
Noel Johnson (July 7, 1899 – January 21, 1996) was an advanced age marathon runner and athlete who set a number of records in the New York City Marathon and the Senior Olympics.
Johnson was born in Heron Lake, Minnesota. He supported himself during the great depression as a professional boxer.[1] Boxrec records of his bouts are incomplete. He later moved to San Diego, married, and worked for Convair.
Life as a senior athlete
Later a widower, he was told by his doctors at age 70 that he had only six months to live. Embarking on a new life of diet, exercise, weight training, isometrics, walking, and marathon running, he became the premiere athlete in the 65 and over age group in the United States. His diet included eating fresh raw bee pollen. He appeared on over a million Wheaties boxes in 1977.
Accomplishments and awards
Johnson was a regular participant in the Senior Olympics. In 1979, he dazzled the competition by winning gold medals in the marathon, the mile, 13000 meters, and in boxing—where he won the final at age 79 by decking his 40-year-old opponent. Even more amazing was that his opponent was wearing headgear. Johnson was not. He ran marathons across the United States and around the world. He was awarded the Presidential Award for Physical Fitness by President Ronald Reagan. One of his books, entitled A Dud at 70, A Stud at 80: How To Do It features a cover with Johnson, 80, and his thirty-something girlfriend.
Death
Johnson died at his home in San Diego on January 21, 1996. He was survived by a son and daughter in San Diego, 3 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.[2]