Radio Times: Review by:; Jane Anderson

This programme's guest is hugely impressive in every sense of the words: 1.85m tall and still the world and Olympic record-holder in the 400m and 4 x 400m relay, despite having retired ten years ago. He is, of course, the American sprinter Michael Johnson. To listen to his intensely detailed description of how time slowed down when he ran is like being transported inside his mind during a race — he felt as if he was suddenly operating on a supercharged level and could process where each competitor was and exactly what he needed to change to win. His musical choices include tracks he used to help fix this astonishing sense of focus.

About this programme

Athletics pundit and quadruple Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson talks to Kirsty Young and selects eight favourite recordings to take to the BBC's mythical island.