Remembering Jan Johnson (Conversation with Larry) : Saluting an Icon

Remembering Jan Johnson (Conversations with Larry): Saluting an Icon, audio by Larry Eder, is recorded by Mike Deering, mixing and graphics by Mike Deering

Remembering Jan Johnson (Conversation with Larry) : Saluting an Icon

Thoughts shared by Larry Eder, RunBlogRun

Jan Johnson, 1950-2025 was NCAA Champion, Olympic bronze medalist, inventor, coach, writer, ex-husband, father, friend, grandfather. Jan was many things.

Jan, like all humans, had his demons.

The confluence of skate culture, pole vault culture, and surf culture were all in Atascadero.

Jan Johnson’s legacy? Over most of his life, Jan has drawn many to the pole vault, and his legacy will be the continued growth of the event in both men’s and women’s pole vault.

Jan was the first advertiser in my pub, American Athletics, with HIND and Skyjumpers. He was also first in American Track & Field. Jan and John Powell went out of their way to help us make our publications successful.

I did this podcast in honor of my friend, Jan Johnson, I hope you like it.

I thank Billy Smith and his wife, Jennifer, who hosted me in San Luis Obispo.