American sprint legend Michael Johnson is pioneering a new professional track and field league, Grand Slam Track, which aims to provide Olympic track stars with opportunities to compete outside of the four-year Olympic cycle. Held in Miramar, Florida, this league will feature elite athletes, including two-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas, and promises substantial financial rewards, such as $100,000 for event winners.
Grand Slam Track was conceived to create a year-round platform for athletes to establish their brands and showcase their talent across eight races per season. With over $30 million in funding—significantly allocated for athlete prize money—Johnson believes that this structure will allow athletes, particularly those struggling with sponsorship and income, to earn a living through their sport.
Unlike traditional competitions, the league offers contracts to athletes, intending to build a sustainable environment synonymous with other professional sports. The league’s unique format also promotes head-to-head competition across six event groups, engaging audiences and enhancing storytelling around their performances, which Johnson emphasizes as key to growing the sport’s visibility.
While reception has been largely positive, some notable athletes, including gold medalists Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson, remain hesitant to join. Johnson expresses confidence that they will eventually recognize the league’s value in advancing track and field.
By blending athletics with entertainment, including features like a “drip check” red-carpet event, Grand Slam Track aims to elevate the profile of track athletes and attract a broader audience, marking a significant shift in how track and field is presented and celebrated.
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