Jinson Johnson: The Record-Breaking Legend of Indian Middle-Distance Running
Jinson Johnson officially announced his retirement from competitive athletics, closing a career that spanned over 15 years at the elite level.
As Jinson Johnson steps away from competitive racing, we look back at a career built on resilience, record-breaking runs, and moments that redefined Indian middle-distance running.
Jinson Johnson: The Record-Breaking Legend of Indian Middle-Distance Running
Jinson Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in Indian athletics history. Specializing in the 800 metres and 1500 metres, the Kerala-born athlete redefined Indian benchmarks, shattered decades-old national records, and delivered India one of its finest Asian Games performances in track events.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Jinson Johnson
- Date of Birth: 15 March 1991
- Place: Chakkittapara, Kerala, India
- Discipline: Middle-distance running (800m, 1500m)
Jinson’s rise from a rural background to the global athletics stage stands as one of Indian sport’s most inspiring journeys.
National Records and Personal Bests
Jinson Johnson rewrote Indian middle-distance history with two national records, both achieved at international-level competitions.
| Event | Time | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 800 metres | 1:45.65 | National Record (2018, Guwahati – Inter-State Championships) |
| 1500 metres | 3:35.24 | National Record (2019, ISTAF Berlin) |
The 800m record broke a 42-year-old national mark held by Sriram Singh, making it one of the most historic runs in Indian athletics. Mohammed Afsal Pulikkalakath surpassed his 800m National Record in 2025.
Asian Games: A Historic Campaign
🥇 2018 Asian Games – Jakarta
Jinson Johnson delivered one of India’s finest middle-distance performances at the 2018 Asian Games:
- Gold – 1500m
- Silver – 800m
He became one of the very few Indian runners to win medals in both middle-distance events at a single Asian Games.
🥉 2023 Asian Games – Hangzhou
- Bronze – 1500m
This medal marked the final international podium finish of his career.
Olympic and Global Championships
Olympic Games
- Rio 2016: Qualified for 800m, becoming the first Indian male athlete since 1980 to compete in the Olympic 800m event.
World Athletics Championships
- Doha 2019: Competed in 1500m, qualifying with his national record timing.
Commonwealth Games
- Gold Coast 2018:
- Finished 5th in 1500m
- Set a new national record (3:37.86) during the competition
Asian Athletics Championships Medals
| Year | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 800m | Silver |
| 2017 | 800m | Bronze |
Career Statistics Snapshot
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Primary Events | 800m, 1500m |
| Asian Games Medals | Gold, Silver, Bronze |
| Olympic Appearances | 1 (2016) |
| National Records | 2 |
| International Finals | Asian Games, CWG, World Championships |
Why His Legacy Endures
- Broke long-standing national records
- Elevated India’s stature in middle-distance running
- Inspired a new generation of Indian 800m and 1500m athletes
- Proved Indian runners can compete with Asia’s best consistently
Even after his 800m record was surpassed in 2025, Jinson’s impact on Indian athletics remains unmatched.
Jinson Johnson didn’t just compete — he transformed Indian middle-distance running. His records, medals, and fearless racing style set a gold standard for Indian athletes aspiring to succeed on the continental and global stage.
His name will remain etched among India’s greatest track and field athletes.