Sprint king did it all

Johnson - all the sacrifices were worth it

Watch the full interview here

Michael Johnson retired from athletics because there were no challenges left for him.

Johnson, speaking to Garry Richardson on HARDtalk, also said athletics is unfairly singled out for criticism of its record on drugs.

The 34-year-old retired from athletics last year after a career as decorated as any in recent times and admitted that the sport could no longer motivate him in the way it had.

"The reason why I retired was because I had done everything I could do and there weren't any challenges for me," said Johnson.

We are singled out because we are the premier Olympic sport and we are supposed to be so pure

Michael Johnson

"I'm sure I'll miss it in a few years time."

The ongoing subject of drugs in athletics is one that annoys Johnson, who said he would never comment on its use in track and field.

"Everyone has this problem but we are singled out because we are the premier Olympic sport and we are supposed to be so pure," said Johnson.

"And we are tested more than any sport in the entire world."

What is a concern for the retired sprint king is the standard of athletics in America.

"It's terrible - that's just my opinion - right now when we think we've hit rock bottom, we find a new bottom!

I was able to do what I loved for a living

Michael Johnson

"We are seeing that performances are not at the level it used to be."

Johnson set the standard in the 200m and 400m for many years.

He made many sacrifices to achieve what he did, but he said he had no regrets.

"I was able to do what I loved for a living.

"It has its media scrutiny and everyone expects everything to be great... and becoming a media figure and a celebrity has its downside

"But I wouldn't change anything."

The interview can be watched in full on Friday 2 August on BBC World and BBC News 24 at the following times:

BBC News 24 (times shown in BST) 0430, repeated 2230

BBC World (times shown in GMT) 0330, repeated 0830, 1130, 1530, 1830, 2330