Michael Johnson has explained the biggest challenge with his inagural Grand Slam Track, explaining how signing elite athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will help abate that issue.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has revealed the biggest challenge he faces in launching his inaugural Grand Slam Track initiative.
The league, set to debut this year in Kingston, Jamaica, aims to transform the sport by establishing a structured, competitive platform beyond the traditional four-year Olympic cycle.
With high-profile athletes such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone already signed on, the league is positioned as a potential game-changer. However, not everyone has embraced the project without hesitation.
Kenya has been dealt a blow in its ambitious multi-billion Talanta stadium project earmarked for AFCON 2027 with audit revealing millions lost.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
Some high-profile athletes, including Noah Lyles and Rai Benjamin, have voiced concerns about the league.
Lyles initially questioned its marketing strategy, particularly the potential confusion over crowning multiple champions across overlapping events.
He also raised concerns about the lack of a central broadcast partner—an issue that has since been addressed—and suggested that a dedicated stadium in the U.S. would provide consistency.
Benjamin, on the other hand, criticized the league’s tight competition schedule, arguing that it could increase the risk of injuries and hinder athletes’ preparation for major championships.
)
Benni McCarthy names a 32-man Harambee Stars squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, blending experience and youth.
Despite their skepticism, both athletes acknowledged that if the league delivers on its promises, it could provide much-needed financial stability and visibility for track and field stars.
Speaking on Citius Mag, Johnson addressed these concerns by using Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone—widely regarded as the greatest female hurdler of all time—as an example of why athletes are signing up.
“When I went to Sydney and asked, ‘Hey, why don’t you run more often?’ she said, ‘I want to, but I want it to mean something.’ It’s the same argument Noah was making, and I get it. It’s the same argument I was making when I was competing.
“I want the races to mean something. I want to compete against my rivals. I want to put on a show. I want to show my fans why I am the greatest, but I want people to be watching.”
Johnson emphasized that Grand Slam Track is not just about television rights but about creating a marketing structure that puts athletes in the spotlight—whether through competition or other forms of engagement that bring exposure to both the athletes and the sport.
)
Speed, records, and big paychecks! These 5 track & field superstars are the richest as the 2025 season starts.
Alongside McLaughlin-Levrone, several other top-tier athletes have committed to the league. Notable names include Olympic and world champions like Fred Kerley and Gabby Thomas.
Sprint star Kenny Bednarek (200m) and Salwa Eid Naser (400m) have also joined, along with middle-distance standouts Mary Moraa and Emmanuel Wanyonyi. Hurdling sensations Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Masai Russell are also part of the pioneering roster.
Johnson remains confident that more athletes will join over time.
“When we build it, they come. And that’s the thing—it’s just like with television and everything else. Are all of the athletes going to come in year one? Come on, no.
“Not all of them will come in the first year. You can over-index and get hyperfocused on who’s not here, which in my opinion is somewhat disrespectful to the 48 athletes who are here.”
He underscored that those already signed up are some of the best in the world—Olympic and world champions, medalists, and finalists—making Grand Slam Track a historic endeavor.
“By and large, people are excited because they know they get to see the best in the world. Our fans are already discussing who they think will win these slams, and that’s exactly what we want.”
Johnson also highlighted the excitement generated by fan debates over potential matchups and challenges within the league.
“Things are happening the way we envisioned. Of course, we’ll address some of the concerns from fans, athletes, sponsors, investors, and other stakeholders. They’ll have questions—like, ‘Hey, what are you going to do about this? What about that?’—and we’ll answer those.”
With Grand Slam Track preparing for its highly anticipated launch, Johnson remains focused on addressing concerns while ensuring the league delivers on its promise of reshaping track and field.
Grand Slam Track will feature four marquee events annually in cities like Los Angeles, Kingston, Miramar, and Philadelphia, offering a consistent stage for the world’s best sprinters and distance runners. This initiative seeks to elevate track and field’s global profile, providing athletes with increased exposure and marketability while keeping fans engaged year-round.
