In the first heptathlon Ben Johnson completed as a walk-on for the Wichita State track and field team, he thinks he scored 4,126 points.
Unless you’re a track and field aficionado, it’s hard to put into perspective that score for the seven-event feat until Johnson’s coach, sitting right next to him, burst into laughter. WSU’s Steve Rainbolt knew Johnson was a beginner, but not even he recalled Johnson being that bad. In case you’re still wondering, a score of 4,126 would probably have most coaches tell that athlete to maybe find a new event.
It’s a story Johnson and Rainbolt can look back at now and laugh, but also think about in awe.