Cheswill Johnson – I am stubborn and I don’t care

The University of Johannesburg graduate says his determination sometimes comes across as stubbornness, but that is exactly what drives him to chase success in both disciplines. 

Johnson insists he knows exactly what he is doing and remains fully committed to proving himself on the track as well as in the sand pit.

A member of South Africa’s highly competitive 4x100m relay squad, Johnson is determined to earn his place among some of the country’s fastest men when the team is selected for the World Athletics Relays set to take place in Botswana from 2–3 May.

To give himself the best chance of making the team, Johnson has decided to focus purely on the 100m this season, before returning to his beloved long jump next year.

"I feel like I'm Stubborn. If I want something I want it, I don't care what someone tells me. When I do the 100m event, I do it because I want to win, and when I do long jump, I do it because I want to win, but in 2026 I'll be focusing on the 100m to see how it goes and taking a break from the long jump because injuries have been holding me back in that event."

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The Central Gauteng Athletics athlete admits he is aware that many of the country’s top sprinters consistently run under the 10-second barrier, something he is still chasing. 

But instead of being discouraged, Johnson says it only fuels his determination to keep pushing until he gets there.

For him, the dream of representing South Africa in the relay team is simply too important to walk away from.

"That's why it's about the stubbornness. I know what I'm capable of, I came late into this sport so obviously some people might think that I've already reached my peak, but all I can say right now is watch to see what happens."

The African Athletics Championships 2024 long jump gold medallist also revealed to the national broadcaster where the inspiration to combine sprinting and long jump first came from.

Johnson says watching some of the world’s greatest athletes showed him that versatility is possible, motivating him to pursue both events with confidence.

The 28-year-old, who represented South Africa at both the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2024 Summer Olympics, recently showed promising sprint form when he clocked 10.04 seconds in the men’s 100m during a Central Gauteng Athletics league meeting at Germiston Stadium last month.

Johnson says that performance did more than just boost his hopes — it gave him real confidence that he can compete strongly in the 100m as he continues to focus on sprinting this season.