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Brett Johnson's high school career over
BY JIM LAMBERT
 May 27, 2009 - Brett Johnson (photo left by John Nepolitan) of Ocean City, who ran a meet record 4:09.03 to win the 1,600 at the NJ Meet of Champions last spring and is the state junior class record holder in the mile (4:08.51), said today that his high school career has come to end because of ankle injuries.
Johnson, a senior, said he could barely walk after he crossed the finish line first in 4:18.51 in the South Jersey, Group 3 1,600 last Friday. He will not be running at the state Group 3 meet this weekend in South Plainfield and won't race again until he gets to college.
Johnson got his MRI results back today and they revealed several stress reactions in both ankles.
``I tried to jog today, and after just 100 meters I almost collapsed,’’ said Johnson, who is headed to Virginia. ``My doctor told me it was time to shut it down, so I’m done until I get to Virginia. I had a lot of big goals, so this is very disappointing.’’
Johnson first injured his right ankle when he placed eighth at the Foot Locker Northeast Regionals last November when he qualified for nationals. At the National Championships in San Diego, Johnson ran with the ankle heavily wrapped and limped his way around the 3.1-mile course, earning applause from the fans that lined the course who appreciated the heart he exhibited as he crossed in last place.
``After cross-country I took some time off, but because of over compensating for the ankle, I hurt my other ankle,’’ said Johnson. ``I just never got completely healthy again. If it was just one of the ankles, I could run my way through it. But with both of them hurting, I just can’t do it.’’ |
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