Joe Johnson, who famously won the world snooker championship in 1986 as a 150-1 outsider, has opened up about his remarkable journey from factory worker to sporting icon. In a candid interview, the 73-year-old recalls the surreal experience of defeating Steve Davis in a final watched by 18 million BBC viewers, and the profound impact that victory had on his life.
A Dream Come True
Johnson, a former gas board and factory worker and father of six, had never previously won a match at the Crucible. His victory against the three-time world champion Davis earned him £70,000, a life-changing sum at the time. 'It was like a strange dream,' he said. 'I couldn't get my breath because I expected Steve to beat me.'
From Struggles to Stardom
Before his triumph, Johnson faced significant hardship. In 1982, he was signing on for unemployment benefits, and his professional career had a slow start. 'When I started, there were only two professional events – the worlds and UK championship. If you lost early there was nothing to feed a family,' he explained. His fortunes improved as more tournaments emerged, but his Crucible record remained poor until 1986.
The Turning Point
Johnson's quarter-final against Terry Griffiths proved pivotal. Trailing 12-9, he decided to play aggressively, winning five straight frames to force a decider. In the final frame, he attempted a difficult red instead of playing safe. 'It's probably one of the best shots that anybody's ever played,' he said. He also battled a painful cyst on his lower back, which was burst by a doctor during the semi-final, providing relief and clarity for the final.
Fame and Royalty
After his win, Johnson became a household name. 'Me and my wife couldn't go anywhere. Not even Tesco,' he recalled. His fame led to a meeting with Princess Diana, who invited him and his wife to Wimbledon with Cliff Richard. 'She said, 'Oh, you're the snooker player with the pink shoes,'' Johnson remembered. The outing was memorable, though his wife was less pleased when Cliff sat on her dress throughout the match.
Health Battles
Johnson's career declined after 1988 due to eyesight problems. He slipped out of the top 16 and had to sell his house. More seriously, he suffered seven heart attacks, the first in 1991. 'I was in the gym and couldn't get up,' he said. A quadruple bypass and a warning from his surgeon to stop smoking saved his life. 'I've been OK since then,' he added.
Mixed Race Heritage
Johnson, born Joseph Malik, is of mixed race; his father was from Pakistan. He faced racism growing up in Bradford but found respect through snooker. 'Since being a snooker player, from about 15, I got respect. People treat me as a person rather than a colour,' he said. He still communicates with family in Pakistan but has never visited.
Reflections on 1986
Johnson remains grateful for his world title. 'I think of sliding doors because Griffiths led 12-9 and he missed a straight green. If he pots it, I'd never be world champion. My whole life changes on one missed shot,' he reflected. 'I'll never get tired talking about 40 years ago.'
