DGS’s own William Johns placed 5th in his age group at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Meaning he is the 5th fastest person in the world in his age group! The World Masters Games hosts 25,000 athletes from 100 countries, representing 28 sports and 45 disciplines! Johns had the honor of carrying the Maryland flag during the opening ceremonies. On Monday, June 5th the Baltimore City Council congratulated Mr. Johns on his victory and classy representation of Baltimore City on the world stage!

William Johns is a veteran automotive supervisor at DGS fleet. He began running track and field back in the 70’s as a high school student. After years of hard work and dedication, his training led him to a state championship win and a No. 1 ranking.

In 1978, Johns’ athleticism and work ethic took him all the way to a silver medal in the Junior Olympics which made him a contender for the 1984 Olympics in California. After reading about the Senior Olympics shortly after Johns’ 51st birthday, he decided to compete. It was apparent he still had the magic, as he won Silver in the 100 and 200-meter hurdles and Gold in the 400 in 2011.

After qualifying in the Senior Olympics in Maryland, he went to Nationals in 2013 and began winning medals and meeting new friends, who along the way, he shared the beauty of his city Baltimore with them. Johns helped diffuse negative stereotypes about Baltimore during times of controversy by highlighting the positives and acting as an ambassador for the city. Johns also won a silver medal in the Delaware Senior Olympics and participated in the USA Nationals in Minnesota where he qualified for the World Masters Games.