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Chicago Hosts Ben Johnson Look-Alike Contest

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/01 .. hicago-hosts-ben-johnson-look-alike-contest.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 0:32 GMT by NBC Chicago

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Chicago, IL - January 9th, 2026 - A uniquely Chicagoan event unfolded last night, drawing crowds and sparking conversation: a Ben Johnson look-alike contest. Hosted at O'Malley's Bar in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood, the contest wasn't just about finding the most physically similar individual to the Canadian sprinter, but also a playful - and surprisingly thoughtful - examination of athletic glory, scandal, and enduring public memory.

The event centered around the infamous Ben Johnson, a name instantly recognizable to sports fans of a certain age. Johnson, who blazed onto the scene winning gold medals in the 100m and 4x100m relay at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, became a symbol of athletic prowess. However, that glory was quickly overshadowed when he was stripped of his medals after testing positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol, becoming a cautionary tale of performance-enhancing drugs and the pressures of elite competition.

Organizers deliberately embraced this duality. "We wanted to have some fun, absolutely," explained event coordinator, Maria Rodriguez. "But we also wanted people to think. Ben Johnson is a complicated figure. He was incredibly fast, a true athlete... but his story is also a reminder of the dark side of sports. We didn't want to gloss over that."

The contest itself was structured with three prize tiers: "Good," "Better," and "Best." Each entrant was judged not only on physical resemblance--height, build, facial features--but also on their ability to capture the essence of Johnson. This, Rodriguez says, proved surprisingly challenging. "It wasn't just about looking like him. It was about the swagger, the focus... the hint of something hidden beneath the surface."

The Winners:

Good: Local carpenter, Arthur Penhaligon, took the "Good" prize. Penhaligon, a lifelong runner himself, admitted he'd always admired Johnson's speed, even after the revelations. "He was just a phenomenal athlete. It's sad what happened, but you can't erase the talent."

[Image of 'Good' Winner]

Better: The "Better" award went to college student, Keisha Jackson. Jackson, a kinesiology major, brought a fascinating perspective to the competition. "I've been studying the physiological effects of doping in sports," she explained. "Participating in this felt...meta. It's a reminder that athletic achievement isn't just about natural ability, and that the pursuit of perfection can have devastating consequences."

[Image of 'Better' Winner]

Best: The coveted "Best" prize was awarded to retired postal worker, Harold Finch. Finch, remarkably, bore a striking resemblance to Johnson in his prime. While he didn't offer much commentary, his silent portrayal, complete with a focused gaze and a practiced sprinter's stance, captivated the audience. Many speculated he'd been preparing for this moment his entire life.

[Image of 'Best' Winner]

The contest drew a diverse crowd, ranging from dedicated sports fans who remembered the 1988 scandal vividly, to younger attendees who were learning about Johnson's story for the first time. Conversations buzzed about the ethics of performance enhancement, the pressures placed on athletes, and the power of second chances (or the lack thereof).

"I think it's important to remember these stories," said attendee David Chen. "Not to condemn, but to learn. The Ben Johnson situation was a wake-up call for the sporting world, and we're still grappling with the consequences today."

The Ben Johnson look-alike contest, while seemingly frivolous on the surface, ultimately proved to be a surprisingly potent vehicle for reflection. It's a testament to Chicago's unique cultural landscape - a city that embraces both playful entertainment and serious social commentary, often simultaneously.