ATHLETICS' legend Michael Johnson has delivered a motivational speech to Derby County's squad as they push to reach the Premier League.
The retired American sprinter spent time at the Rams' Moor Farm training ground today.
Derby face their final league game of the season against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday before tackling the Championship play-offs.
"Michael Johnson was in the UK and over at St George's Park, and said he would like to come in and talk to the players. He did, and we had a fantastic hour with him," said head coach Steve McClaren.
"He talked about his career, why he was number one in the world and so successful, and also about the commitment that is required to achieve that status.
"He told us that everything he strived for he regarded as an opportunity, not a barrier or something to be feared.
"They were the key messages.
"As a team, we have an opportunity this season. Let's try and take it."
Johnson is one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He won four Olympic gold medals and eight World Championship gold medals.
Rams defender Jake Buxton said the players were mightily impressed by what Johnson had to say.
"Credit to the staff to have the pull to get somebody like Michael Johnson in to speak to us at this crucial stage of the season," added Buxton.
"He talked about what position and place he used to put himself in before he went into competition.
"We tried to reflect on our position now and how we have got to focus, and what we have got ahead of us.
"We learned some vital things from him and hopefully we can take the experiences he spoke about into the next three games.
"He gave a phenomenal insight into how he focused on his sport.
"He spoke about the sacrificies he had to make to get to the top level.
"He spoke about commitment and motivation, and never accepting failure as an athlete."
