Putnam City Teacher Shares Olympic Dream, Ahead Of Trials In OKC

Riversport is hosting world-class athletes vying for a chance to call themselves Olympians this weekend for Canoe and Kayak Slalom events.

Tulakes Elementary P.E. teacher, Stephen Johnson, couldn't be more excited. "Some people knew me over there at the boathouse, and they said, 'Hey, we would like for you to come and volunteer,'" Johnson said.

On Saturday, he'll escort athletes to drug tests following their events. "It's an honor," he said. "I really enjoy it. I've never done this particular sport before."

Despite being new to the sport, Johnson has for a long time considered himself an Olympic hopeful.

In college, he ran track and competed alongside well-known track athletes, including Jamaican Olympian Michael Blackwood. "Hopefully I can make the old man senior Olympics one day," he said, noting that he's in his 50s and no longer competing at the same level. 

But, he said he plans to make one final push and attempt to qualify for and compete at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon this summer. "I think I am going to jump into the track meet just to see what else I have in the tank for the upcoming Olympic trials," he said.