Lawrence Johnson (born May 7, 1974) is an Americanpole vaulter. He earned the nickname "LoJo" at theUniversity of Tennessee where he won four NCAA titles in the pole vault.[1] Johnson began pole vaulting in 1989 and since has/holds records on all stages and led the charge to return the US to the international medal podium with two Olympic appearances, including a silver medal performance in2000 Olympic games Sydney.
Johnson resigned as Assistant Coach/Pole Vault at the University of South Carolina in August 2011 to start an online business.
Johnson is best known for winning the Olympic silver medal in2000, he also won a gold medal at the2001 IAAF World Indoor Championships and a silver medal at the1997 IAAF World Indoor Championships (First American to bring back a medal in the pole vault in a major competition since 1987). He is the current American Indoor Record Holder at 5.96m (19' - 6.5") set March 3, 2001]. His personal best jump is 5.98m (19' - 7.5"), which he achieved in 1996.
Johnson is one of the United States' most decorated pole vaulters. His accomplishments include 2x HS National Champion, 7x SEC Champion, 4x NCAA Champion, 7x US Champion, World Champion, & Olympic silver medalist. He still holds many stadium and meet records, as well as collegiate records.
Johnson is also the first black pole vaulter to medal and step on the podium, which he achieved at the2000 Olympic Games. He is the first black pole vaulter to win in a major competition (won silver in Paris in 1997), and the first black pole vaulter to make the Olympic Team in the Pole Vault, which he achieved at the 1996 Olympic Trials.
Note 1: In 1888 both the NAAAA and the AAU held championships
OT: The 1920, 1928, 1932, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 championships incorporated the Olympic Trials, otherwise held as a discrete event.
2020 OT: The 2020 Olympic Trials were delayed and held in 2021 due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.
