Benita's Story
Benita Johnson (Willis) has competed in four straight Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012). In Sydney, Johnson competed in the 5000m where she finished 17th on debut before stepping up her distance for the Athens Games as she claimed 24th in the 10,000m.
The 2008 Beijing Games saw Willis take on the gruelling marathon where she finished 21st. It was not until early 2012 that she ran her first marathon since the Beijing Games with an impressive second placing in the Houston Marathon. In the event she ran her third fastest time ever (2:28.24), well under the qualifying time for the London 2012 Games. Hampered by a hip injury at the London Games, Willis did well to finish as she crossed the line in 100th position in a time of 2:49.38.
