30-year-old Shamier Little, the Chicago-born racer, has always been able to switch between jumping and running flat, winning three NCAA titles in the 400-meter hurdles while attending Texas A&M. Along with the NCAA, Little has two Olympic medals (including gold) from the relays in Paris and two World Championship silver medals in the hurdles. And if this is not enough, her open 400-meter best time of 49.68 makes it easy to understand how she has been able to race in the 52s for the previous seven years.

As Shamier Little is going to participate in Grand Slam Track in May, her fans must be curious about her coach. Who has mentored Little to reach this far? Because to thrive on track, an athlete needs a good coach to learn the nuances of the track, race, and everything. So, who is Shamier Little’s coach, Chris Johnson? Let’s find out.

Who is Chris Johnson? Shamier Little’s Coach

Chris Johnson, Shamier Little’s coach, has trained several athletes, including six Olympians, including Olympic gold medalist Shamier Little. On July 1, 2023, Johnson became the head coach of the University of Arkansas women’s program. However, he spent twelve arduous years as an assistant coach prior to it. Where was he before that?

Johnson returned to Fayetteville prior to the 2012 season after eight seasons as Penn State’s assistant coach. Both the Arkansas Razorbacks and Penn State’s Nittany Lions won multiple awards under Chris Johnson’s direction. Under his guidance, athletes have achieved titles and made records, and Johnson himself got recognition as a coach for his achievements.

Chris Johnson’s career highlights and achievements

With a career full of notable achievements and trophies, Chris Johnson is well-known for his outstanding track and field coaching. The sports community has taken notice of his efforts. During his tenure at Penn State and Arkansas, he was recognized as the USTFCCCA National Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year five times. In addition, he has won numerous indoor and outdoor season awards as the NCAA Mid-Atlantic region’s Assistant Coach of the Year. These honors are a testament to his influence, but what about the achievements of the athletes he has coached?

Working with Johnson has helped several sportsmen achieve the pinnacle of their professions. Olympic gold medalist Kaylyn Brown is a notable example. During the 2022 campaign, Johnson guided the University of Arkansas team to a historic victory. In 3:27.23, the Razorbacks completed the 4×400-meter relay. They accomplished this by becoming the first school to win the 4×400-meter relay and the distance medley at the same NCAA indoor competition. In terms of personal achievement, he has guided several Olympians to success.

Who else has Chris Johnson coached besides Shamier Little?

Britton Wilson, who established both American and collegiate indoor records in the 400m with a time of 49.48, was coached by Shamier Little’s coach, Chris Johnson.

Wilson has secured an NCAA title in the 400 m hurdles and also represented the US at the World Championships, winning gold in the 4×400 m relay.

Additionally, in 7.72 seconds, Ackera Nugent set the collegiate indoor 60-meter hurdles mark. Another athlete who won the NCAA championship in the 100m hurdles is Janeek Brown—she recorded one of the fastest times in collegiate history. One of Chris Johnson’s standout athletes is Kaylyn Brown, who won gold at the Paris Olympics in the 4×400 m relay.

With the Grand Slam Track second phase approaching for Shamier Little, she is expected to shine on track.