Canadian Sprinter Ben Johnson Ready to Laugh About It

In 1988, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson experienced a career-defining moment at the Seoul Olympics when he won gold in a record-breaking 100-metre race. Unfortunately, three days later, his medal was stripped after he failed a drug test. It’s a story that has been told and retold, but now, Ben Johnson is taking control of his narrative in a whole new light – through comedy.

The television series, Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story, reframes Johnson’s life story as a mockumentary, offering a comedic take on the controversial events that unfolded in his career. Directed by R.T. Thorne and Cory Bowles, the show explores Johnson’s perspective on his own legacy, shedding new light on a story that many thought they knew.

But why turn such a serious scandal into comedy? For Johnson, it’s all about reclaiming his story in a way that allows people to see it from a different angle. In an interview with CBC Arts, Johnson shared, “I think what happened to my career was a joke to me. It was just the right fit to put it back in a different perspective to tell this great story in a comedy format so people can enjoy it and feel good about themselves and be surprised with some of the things that they saw in this.”

Actor Shamier Anderson, who portrays Johnson in the series, emphasizes the importance of Canada reclaiming and owning its own history, even when faced with challenging moments. The show dives into the narrative shifts that occurred during Johnson’s scandal, exploring how his identity transformed from a “Canadian hero” to a “Jamaican-born doper” in the public eye.

Anchoring his performance in truth, Anderson delved deep into what makes Johnson tick, emphasizing his love for his mother, his culture, running, sports, and people. Through meticulous preparation, including perfecting the Jamaican accent with the help of voice memos from his mother, Anderson brought a version of Johnson to life that resonates with audiences.

With Andrew Bachelor joining the cast as American sprinter Carl Lewis, the series offers a diverse perspective on the events surrounding Johnson’s downfall. Bachelor, drawing on his own track and field experience, infused the script with improv and a deep understanding of the competitive world of athletics.

Filmed in Scarborough, Ontario, Hate the Player is deeply rooted in the community that raised Ben Johnson. The production served as a homecoming for many of the cast and crew, including Johnson himself. The series not only sheds light on the man behind the headlines but also celebrates Scarborough and the resilience of its residents.

Through comedy, Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story offers viewers a chance to see a different side of the Olympic sprinter and witness his journey through a unique lens. With episodes streaming on GameTV and Paramount+, audiences can enjoy a fresh take on a historic sports scandal with a comedic twist.