Brooks Johnson, 1934-2024: Legendary former Stanford, Olympic track coach dies at 90
The track and field community is mourning the death of an icon after former Stanford and Olympic coach Brooks Johnson died over the weekend.
Johnson, 90, had coached at least one athlete in every Olympics since 1968, and was a fixture on the U.S. national team. The Miami native was a member of the U.S Track and Field coaching staff in 1976, 1984, 2004 and 2008.
A moment of silence was held in Johnson’s honor at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials on Saturday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
A moment of silence for legendary track coach Brooks Johnson at Hayward Field before the start of today’s session of the U.S. Olympic Trials.
He coached the likes of Justin Gatlin, David Oliver and more U.S. stars. pic.twitter.com/wvlm6h4AyO
— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) June 30, 2024
Aside from leading the Stanford program from 1979-92, Johnson also coached collegiately at Florida (1975-79) and Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo (1993-96).
Recently retired Stanford women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer, the winningest coach in the history of the sport, credited Johnson for getting her to The Farm in 1985.
“Brooks was a great friend and it was his persuasiveness that convinced me to take the job at Stanford nearly 40 years ago,” VanDerveer wrote on Instagram. “He was a brilliant coach, tremendous mentor and generous in sharing his wisdom, even helping to train our teams in the spring. I loved him dearly and will really miss him.”
During his decorated career, Johnson coached Olympians such as sprinters Justin Gatlin, Evelyn Ashford, Chandra Cheeseborough, hurdler David Oliver and dozens of others.
Known as a demanding coach who wasn’t afraid to raise his voice, Johnson often got the best out of his athletes.
“I’m not afraid to say what I want,” Johnson told the Mercury News in 1988. “My perception of myself and (my perception of) the kids can be worlds apart. There are times I can be a 14-karat (bleep), and there are other times I can be compassionate and sensitive.”
Johnson was an accomplished athlete himself, attending Tufts University in Massachusetts and lettering in both track and football. He won gold as part of the 4×100 relay team at the 1963 Pan American Games.
After getting his law degree from the University of Chicago, Johnson began his coaching career at St. Albans School in Washington D.C.
“Man some people feel immortal,” former Olympian LaVonne Idlette wrote on X. “I’m hopeful to have such a full long life. Brooks coached and attended law school in a controversial time and was my big advocate for me becoming a lawyer and Olympian at the same time.”
After coaching at the high school for 12 years, Johnson went on to coach at major universities until 1996, when he helped start the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.
“RIP to one of our sport’s legendary coaches/figures, Brooks Johnson,” Olympic medalist Ato Bolden wrote on social media platform X.
RIP to one of our sport’s legendary coaches/figures, Brooks Johnson. pic.twitter.com/H7r5DepB2d
— Ato Boldon (@AtoBoldon) June 29, 2024
