High School Standouts: Ian Johnson, Southside Track and Field

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – This week’s high school standout is about to trade one Tiger uniform for another but not before leaving a legacy where it all started.

Southside’s Ian Johnson swept the 3A Track and Field State Championships after coming in with the top times in the 100m (10.48) and 200m race (21.14).

Once a basketball player, Johnson has a love of all sports but realized track was the one he wanted to pursue more seriously when watching Usain Bolt dominate the summer Olympics years ago.

“When I set my sights higher that’s when it made me realize I can really be one of the greats at this,” Johnson said.

With aspirations of running at the Division I level Johnson got to work, setting a school record in the 100m and 200m while also putting up the fastest 100m time (10.41) in 2024 by a prep competitor at the region 2-3A meet.

Competitive on a national scale, his wind-legal time of 10.43 in the 100m is top 40 in the country.

Johnson punctuated his unbeaten season by winning the USATF South Carolina Association Junior Olympic Championship title in June.

At the end of the month, all the hard work was recognized when Johnson was named the South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year in track and field, the first winner from Southside High.

“It hit me with a lot of emotion because it was just like, I really made it and I really put my name out there and I did all this. I was just so proud,” said Johnson. “I want to show what someone from Southside High School can get; Upstate Athlete of the Year, Gatorade Player of the Year, all of it.”

With his legacy firmly in place at Southside, Johnson will trade in one Tiger uniform for another when he starts at Clemson this fall.

“When I get to Clemson, I want to be the best that ever stepped in Clemson. I want to be the fastest time that ever stepped in Clemson,” Johnson said.

The goals he has written down as a daily reminder to be the best stretch from Southside to Clemson and, if he has anything to say about it, to Los Angeles in 2028.

“2028 Olympics. I’m going to make sure I’ll be there,” said Johnson. “You’re gonna see me there.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.