In Miramar, Florida, American sprint legend Michael Johnson is embarking on a groundbreaking mission to create a professional league for Olympic track stars, called Grand Slam Track. Johnson, who holds nine world records and four Olympic golds, aims to provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents more frequently than every four years.
Grand Slam Track debuted in the U.S., attracting high-profile athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas. Johnson emphasized the lack of opportunities for sprinters to compete and develop their brands compared to other sports. The league offers a full season of competition, with eight races across four meets annually, differing from traditional formats.
Investors have backed the initiative with over $30 million, allocating $12 million for athlete prize money, which includes $100,000 for event winners. This funding aims not only to improve athlete earnings but also to foster competition among elite racers, with over 30 medalists from the Paris Games expected to participate.
The league’s unique format includes head-to-head races across various events, prioritizing engagement and audience appeal. Athletes, such as new participants like Anna Hall, maintain enthusiasm despite the absence of their specific events, viewing the league as essential for track and field’s evolution.
Johnson aims to elevate the profile of track athletes, akin to those in major team sports, by putting them under contract to race. While most are on board, some top athletes, like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson, remain hesitant. Nonetheless, Johnson remains optimistic about the league’s potential to drive growth in the sport. He believes it’s a pivotal moment for track, bringing much-needed attention, excitement, and a focus on athlete representation.
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