Who he is…
Tom Johnson, a retired pastor and senior runner who has taken courses at Sinclair Community College for the past decade in cross-training to help him run track.
Why he’s interesting…
Johnson is originally from Cane Valley, Ky, and is known as the fastest man in the Midwest according to his age bracket of 70 to 74.
In 1996, Johnson taught physical education at Dayton Christian Elementary School.
“It was there where I said if anyone could out jump me or out run me, they would get a combo meal from McDonalds,” he said. “I had a few that would do it, but we were getting them ready for the fourth grade track and field challenge event, and that’s what got me back into track.”
Johnson said that he takes courses at Sinclair that help him with cross-training for track.
“I primarily take courses at Sinclair in tennis, cycling, weight lifting and walking,” he said. “These are what we call cross-training courses.”
Johnson competes in the National Senior Games, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles for athletes age 50 and over, according to nsga.com.
The National Senior Games were held in Cleveland, Ohio this year from July 19 to Aug. 1.
“The event takes place every two years,” Johnson said. “I won three silver medals for 200 meters, 400 meters and the 4 x 100 meter relay.”
Johnson said that he trains five days a week and walks two miles each morning with his wife before coming to campus for classes in tennis and cycling.
Johnson said he likes being at Sinclair because it is a local place where he can take courses for a five-dollar fee that helps with training for the senior games.
“This year (at the Senior Games) we had a lady who was 97 and still running and a man that was 95 — I pray that I live that long, and that I am able to run at that age,” he said. “The senior events [encourage] seniors to get up off the couch, and instead of being a spectator, be a participant so that it will increase your longevity here on earth.”
He also believes that having faith is key to success.
“My motivating scripture is Hebrews 12:1 – 2 that says: ‘wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, let us keep our eyes on Jesus who is the author, finisher and pioneer of our faith.’”
Johnson said 2012 was his best year, where he received 30 gold medals, four silver medals, two bronze medals, eight first place ribbons and two USA national champion patches.
“That was my best year overall in the number of events,” he said. “I retired that year and was able to cover more states, I covered 10 states defending my title.”
Johnson’s best advice for students is to have a plan.
“Someone once said any plan will work, if you work the plan,” he said. “But the mistake that most of us make is that we are always trying to change it without sticking to it long enough to find out why it worked, or find out the weakness so we can tweak it and personalize it.”
Being a part of Sinclair has enabled Johnson to meet people young and old.
“You have that interaction between youth and age, and to be able to keep up or surprise them by being able to play or ride a bike as fast as they do, they can’t believe it,” he said. “Sinclair makes it possible because it is right here in town and the fee is enticing.”
Johnson said his wife tells him he should be more humble about his accomplishments.
“My wife says I should have a little more humility,” he said. “But if I brag, that means people come at me and I
run faster.”