American sprint legend Michael Johnson is facing mounting criticism after revelations that his much-publicized Grand Slam Track league misled athletes with false promises of prize money and financial backing.
When the project was launched, Johnson positioned himself as the face, CEO, and Commissioner of a new era for track and field, promising record-breaking prize money and consistent financial support for athletes. Winners in each category were to receive $100,000 per leg, with appearance fees of $2,000 per meet and even eighth-place finishers guaranteed $10,000. The minimum payout per athlete was expected to be $12,000 per event, fueling excitement across the athletics world.
However, the reality proved starkly different. After underwhelming opening legs in Kingston and Miami, and only moderate success in Philadelphia, the final Los Angeles meet was abruptly canceled in June. Athletes were assured payments would be made, but as September approaches, they remain unpaid, leaving many fearing they will never see their money.
Some of the sport’s biggest names are among those owed. Sprinters Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek are reportedly demanding around $300,000 each, while Olympic champions Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas are owed $250,000 and $180,000 respectively. Rising Kenyan star Emmanuel Wanyonyi is also waiting on his payments, sparking widespread frustration within the athletics community.
Reports suggest the league never had the financial foundation it claimed. While Johnson’s team announced that more than $30 million had been secured, it has since emerged that only $13 million was actually available, with additional funds tied to non-binding investment options that never materialized. Investors who attended the opening event later pulled out, citing concerns over the league’s business model and its inability to generate sustainable returns.
Initially, athletes were told delays were caused by drug-testing procedures, before later being informed that global economic instability was to blame. Critics, however, argue that the problems stemmed from poor planning, overpromising, and mismanagement at the highest level.
Now, with millions of dollars in unpaid prize money and mounting threats of legal action, the future of Grand Slam Track looks bleak. Johnson, once celebrated as a pioneer aiming to transform the sport, faces a tarnished reputation and a growing backlash from athletes who feel deceived.
