India, April 21 -- Defending an Olympic title brings with it a different kind of pressure. When Neeraj Chopra stands on the runway in Paris with javelin in hand he will be expected to deliver nothing less than a second gold medal.

US track legend Michael Johnson knows what it takes to defend an Olympic title. He stormed to a second 400m Olympic title in 2000 Sydney, coming through a tough injury-marred period in the build-up.

"It is very difficult when you are the defending champion and it comes with its own pressure. Sometimes when an athlete is not expected to win, it's easier to do than when they are expected to win," Johnson said on the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024 here.

"He (Chopra) will have the whole of Indi...