ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, December 19, 1996            TAG: 9612190062
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: B-2  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press 

JOHNSON IS TOP MALE OLYMPIAN

Michael Johnson, who capped an unprecedented double gold-medal performance with a world record in the 200 meters, was selected as sportsman of the year by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

It was the second year in a row and the third time in four years Johnson was picked for the honor by a nationwide vote of USOC officials, athletes and reporters.

Johnson was the overwhelming choice, with 80 first-place votes and 929 points. Swimmer Jeff Rouse was second, with one first-place vote and 519 points, with volleyball player Karch Kiraly third, archer Justin Huish fourth and wrestler Kurt Angle fifth.

In Atlanta, Johnson became the first man to win the 200 and 400 in the same Olympics.

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