请问：a shadow of its former self 是什么意思？

a shadow of its former self=它大不如从前了

a shadow of one's former self=大不如从前;不及当年

Johnson returned to the track after his ban but was a shadow of his former self. 

约翰逊在禁赛结束后又回到了跑道上，但已找不回当初的状态。

a shadow of its former self 用下面的英语解释为

you mean that they are much less strong or capable than they used to be.

你意思是，他们不像他们过去那么强壮或者有能力了.

关于单词shadow其它固定搭配

【1】毫无疑问;千真万确

（without a shadow of a doubt /without a shadow of doubt）

It was without a shadow of a doubt the best we've played.

毫无疑问这是我们表现最出彩的一次。

【2】在…的阴影之下;在…的光环下（显得逊色)

（in the shadow of someone /in their shadow）

He has always lived in the shadow of his brother.

他一直活在他哥哥的影子中

【3】大不如从前;不及当年

（in the shadow of someone ；in their shadow）

Johnson returned to the track after his ban but was a shadow of his former self. 约翰逊在禁赛结束后又回到了跑道上，但已找不回当初的状态。