<P> Only two athletes have won the event twice : Marie - José Pérec became the first to defend the title in 1996 , then Michael Johnson followed with victories in 1996 and 2000 . No athlete has won more than three medals . Several medalists in the event have also had success in the 200 metres at the Olympics : Johnson , Perec , Szewińska and Valerie Brisco - Hooks have all won titles at both distances . Athletes chosen for the event almost always form part of their nation 's team for the 4 × 400 metres relay at the Olympics . </P>
who won the gold medal for 400 metres run at two consecutive olympic games
Michael Johnson