After 18 years of running, a U.S. middle-distance runner with one of the most unique world records in all of track and field has retired. “I’m proud to announce that I will be moving on to a new chapter in 2025,” announced the Blue Jean Mile world record holder on Instagram. Affectionately known as Johnny the Jet, the fans had nothing but praise for the athlete.

“Thanks for being such a great role model on and off the track!” commented one fan as 2019 Pan American Games silver medalist, Johnny Gregorek, called it a career. Meanwhile, another fan simply commented, “Legend,” on the former World Championship competitor’s heartfelt farewell on Instagram. The 1500m specialist was also thankful to the fans who supported him for almost two decades.

“Thank you to every family member, coach, teammate, friend, medical professional, competitor, fan,” added Johnny Gregorek. However, the track and field were especially thankful to fellow Seekonk, Massachusetts native, and his wife Amy Nunes for her support. As an athlete throughout high school and then at Sacred Heart University, Gregorek’s wife always supported her partner.

And while the 33-year-old didn’t make it to the Olympics, he came close at the 2016 U.S. Olympic trials. Gregorek qualified for the 1500-meter final but fell short of making the team, finishing sixth with 3:38.76. However, the Columbia University alumnus didn’t need Olympic or world championship medals to earn a loyal following.

“As a XC/track coach in Massachusetts, I have enjoyed watching you from your HS days, to your pro days! Way to represent southeastern MA!! Congratulations on an incredible career!” commented one fan who seems to have followed the track and field athlete’s entire career. Yet, you may be asking how the athletes came to command such an invested fan base. Well, it’s because his heart was always in the right place.

The track and field icon always ran for the right reasons

Sometimes, the respect and popularity an athlete commands don’t always come from his accolades (not to imply that Gregorek doesn’t have accolades). Instead, what they chose to race for also plays a huge role in earning the community’s respect. The 33-year-old has always run for a cause, and his Blue Jean Mile record attempt was the perfect example.

On May 30, 2020, put on his running vest and a pair of blue jeans and raced a mile in 4:06.25. The track and field icon shattered Dillon Maggard‘s previous record of 4:11.80 by a huge margin. Since then, no one has taken that record from Johnny Jet. The then-28-year-old was racing to raise funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

While his initial goal was to raise $2,500, he ended up raising over $31,000. The tack and field athlete also gave it his all in the Blue Jean Mile, as he was racing to honor his brother, Patrick Gregorek. Paddy struggled with mental health and had passed away a year prior to the race in 2019. Maybe that’s why fans called the athlete a legend and left comments such as, “You should feel so proud, Johnny! Can’t wait to see what you do next!” on his farewell post.

However, running the Blue Jean Mile wasn’t the only effort Johnny Gregorek made to raise mental health awareness. A fan pointed out his continued contribution. “Johnny, I can’t help but presume your activism related to mental health was a big reason @asics has supported NAMI in recent years. Thank you so much for that and best of luck in this new chapter in life,” commented the fan.

The track and field icon partnered with ASICS to establish the ASICS Blue Jean Mile as an annual event in 2021. Since then the ASICS event has continued to raise awareness and money for the cause of better mental health. The 33-year-old thanked his longtime sponsor for supporting him in his endeavors.

“I am also so grateful for the support and partnership with the incredible people of @asics,” wrote the Massachusetts native. However, the track and field couldn’t conclude the post without addressing his fans one more time. “I hope to see you all at a track meet or road race soon,” added Gregorek. However, from now on, the runner will be among the fans.