Grand Slam Track 'Struggling' to Pay Athletes

Grand Slam Track, the innovative athletics competition founded by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, is facing significant financial challenges. Johnson revealed that the event may not proceed in 2026 unless athletes receive their prize money for this year.

Financial Struggles and Delayed Payments

Johnson stated that the organization has been "unable to meet" its payment timelines due to a lack of committed funding. Despite these setbacks, Johnson remains optimistic about the competition's long-term sustainability. "We promised that athletes would be fairly and quickly compensated. Yet, here we are struggling with our ability to compensate them," Johnson said in a statement.

Cancellation of Final Event

The final event of the inaugural Grand Slam Track season was canceled in June due to economic concerns. This decision has raised questions about the event's future and its ability to attract top-tier athletes.

Commitment to Future Success

Johnson emphasized that the organization is "putting systems and partnerships in place to make sure it never happens again." He described the situation as "one of the most difficult challenges" he has faced in his career.

Notable Participants and Financial Incentives

The competition featured prominent athletes, including British Olympic sprinters Daryll Neita and Matthew Hudson-Smith, and 1500m world champion Josh Kerr. It offered substantial financial rewards, with up to $100,000 (£73,600) for race category winners and salaries for contracted athletes.

Related Topics

• Athletics
• Sports Funding
• Athlete Compensation

Looking Ahead

As Grand Slam Track navigates these financial hurdles, the focus remains on ensuring fair compensation for athletes and securing the event's future. Johnson's commitment to overcoming these challenges underscores his dedication to the sport and its athletes.