Butch Johnson, a five-time Olympian and gold medallist at the Atlanta 1996 team event, has passed away at the age of 68. He was a well-known figure in both the United States and abroad, having competed in five consecutive Olympic Games from Barcelona 1992 to Beijing 2008. His best individual finish was 11th place in 1996, but he also had success at the world, continental, and national levels throughout his long career.
Johnson was originally a compound archer but was known for his unique and analytical approach to his equipment. Over two decades, he anchored the US international team and had an impact on many archers through coaching and mentoring. World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen praised Johnson’s legacy, calling him an icon in the sport. Dielen highlighted Johnson’s distinctive technique, elite success, and unprecedented longevity as the most-capped Olympian in USA Archery history.
Johnson’s wife Teresa, family, and the archery community in the United States are mourning his passing.
