Carl Johnson first attracted the attention of the sports world when, as a Spokane high school student in 1915, he competed in the National Interscholastics, and finished second by himself – in the team competition! Johnson then attended Michigan and headed the world long jump lists in 1918 and 1919, despite serving as president of the college student council and earning a Phi Beta Kappa key. In college, his all-round talents were shown best at the 1919 IC4A, where he placed second in the 100y and tied for second in the high jump as well as winning the long jump. Although he was sidelined for most of the 1920 college season, he was included on the Olympic team despite a poor performance at the Trials. Johnson justified the decision of the selectors by being the highest placed American in Antwerp when he finished second behind William Petersson of Sweden.
Personal Bests: LJ – 24-1 (7.34) (1919).
United States