The Superb Michael Johnson

Johnson's input dwarfs the vast majority of other BBC sports contributors. But that's only to be expected when he is after all one of the few people on that team employed on merit, rather than because he fits some sort of BBC-defined acceptable 'profile'.

BTW, great to see a man of Stoke taking a Gold Medal a few days ago in the Kayaking.

one can only wonder how the 'land-locked' county of Staffordshire attracts so many to the glories of the water


As ever Tommy is being profoundly modest, with his unseen hand guiding the fine young man Carter to a sensational richly-deserved gold.

For those who don't know, alongside Tommy's special abattoir, he has built a full scale kayaking training facility from which only the toughest make it through. You see instead of those timid black and white poles that the Olympic Kayakers have to negotiate, back at Tommy's facility they have to bypass huge rotating knives. By dint of superb planning, the abattoir is conveniently nearby to process the lightweights who fail the kayaking experience.

Well done Tommy for bringing through another stellar Kayaker to Olympic Gold. I'd like to see a few more of our swimmers have to visit you.

First we had Captain Smith of Titanic fame, Stokie born and bred, and now Joe Clarke - obviously drawn to escaping the onrushing rain by paddling down the A34 in Stone!

Wasn't that fine old sea-dog Charles Manson, celebrated mass murderer and (lest we forget) self-imagined Guest Boatswain on the Gosport Ferry, also born-and-raised in Burslem?  Or have I got him mixed up again with Phil 'The Jackpot' Hankey?

Yes, Michael Johnson is a very good broadcaster - serious and professional. I suppose you could say that his ability as an athlete matches his talent as a commentator.

As a TV analyst, he's ok. Professional and media savvy.  He's certainly aware of who is paying him. His best quality is his patience and courtesy - to not to treat his co-commentators with the contempt they so richly deserve

We have got to get a new lock on that pub door !

Go Ballistic sums it up for me. Johnson doesn't need to be particularly insightful to stand out when compared with, say, Denise Lewis' shallow gibberings. (Think you're being kind to her, rtb - she's hopeless.)

Denise Lewis and Addlington are diabolical. Addlington is particularly nauseating with her "I'm so pleased for her/him, their families are so nice, etc...." routine

Mikael D'Haguenet
Joined: 24 Jun 06
Replies: 8273
    13 Aug 16 12:42   


Go Ballistic sums it up for me. Johnson doesn't need to be particularly insightful to stand out when compared with, say, Denise Lewis' shallow gibberings. (Think you're being kind to her, rtb - she's hopeless.)

If she worked as hard on her research, understanding of sport as it is, not as it was and ability to communicate succinctly as she does on her hairstyle - she would be adequate.

how is she in with a chance of a bronze? how weak is this event shes absolutely cack

Lewis actually sneaked in a decent point under the radar there - when she competes in individual events, she does the ones she's good at - the jumps - whereas she should be surely be trying to improve by competing under pressure in the throws.

Would n't be that surprised if she ditches the heptathlon and becomes a specialist high jumper - look at what Schippers has done in the sprints.

MJ NAIL ON THE HEAD LONG JUMP ,HAS BEEN BELOW PAR FOR YEARS ,GREAT COMPETITION AND GREG MR CONSISTENT
BUT FOR SOME REASON THE LJ IS NOT WHAT IT WAS A FEW YEARS BACK ,WOULD TAKE THE GUY WHO WON SILVER
GOING FORWARD LOOKS A RAW TALENT >>

Great analysis by Johnson on the long jump - fair play to him, but Rutherford won medals in years where the competition was weak - he would never claim to be any sort of expert on many heptathlon disciplines, but the little he says offers alot more than the average output from Denise Lewis

As much as i like MJ; betting is not his forte..