The Zatopek Classic, the oldest named distance running meet in the world, was the biggest race of Johnson’s developing running career. He finished in a time of 3:52.72, just 28 splits-of-a-second under the 1500m World Youth Games qualifying time.

Johnson, the youngest runner in the open event at 16, was the first athlete introduced to the Olympic Park crowd. He held his own against a line-up of renowned runners, finishing tenth from a starting field of 17.

Johnson, who is preparing for year 11 studies next year, will compete at the Australian Olympic Youth Festival in Sydney early in the New Year.