Track and field athletes have their work cut out for them. It’s not just about the grind on the track—it’s the constant struggle to make ends meet. Most athletes only make money if they land a medal at big events, which leaves the majority of them barely scraping by. A lot of them are juggling side jobs. Enter Michael Johnson, Olympian of the past, visionary of the present. He envisioned a league bereft of track’s financial woes. His brainchild, the Grand Slam Track, held the key to new possibilities galore! But there’s more.
The struggles track and field athletes face pushed Michael Johnson to create the Grand Slam Track, but was that the real reason behind it? Recently, Johnson took to X to share his honest confession about the system that inspired the event. He said, “The problem is a system where hundreds of athletes train for a whole year to compete for one of three spots to represent their country in one global championship, where they only get paid if they win one of three medals. That’s why I started @GrandSlamTrack.”
His words reveal the harsh reality many athletes face—working tirelessly for a chance at glory, but receiving little financial support unless they land a top spot. This system leaves most athletes struggling to make ends meet, with very few reaping the rewards of their hard work. But how did this conversation start? Well, this conversation started when Alex, a user on X, posted a thought-provoking statement.
Problem is a system where hundreds of athletes train for a whole year to compete for 1 of 3 spots to represent their country in 1 global championship where they only get paid if they win 1 of 3 medals. Thats why I started @GrandSlamTrack https://t.co/cBB8F8EAmJ
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) April 30, 2025
“If American athletes complain every year about lacking support and having to work 9-5 jobs while being pro athletes, why do we think Jamaica can find the money to pay all our athletes a livable wage? This is a broke sport in a third-world economy. Be realistic.” Alex’s post pointed out the financial challenges and lack of resources in track and field, which led Johnson to respond and explain the deeper issue with the current system.
His goal with the event is to provide athletes with more consistent opportunities, higher earnings, and a level of support that has long been missing from the sport. However, despite his dedication to improving track and field, Michael Johnson still faced disappointment during the debut of his event.
The impact of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track and Athlos on track and field
Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track (GST) debuted in Kingston, Jamaica, in April 2025, with an ambitious goal of revitalizing the track and field scene. The event’s unique format involves athletes competing in multiple events over several days, offering them more chances to win and earn from a substantial prize pool. The total prize money is a massive $12.6 million, with individual event winners pocketing up to $100,000. But while the money sounds good, the event has faced significant backlash. One of the main criticisms?
The exclusion of field events like the long jump and high jump. Olympic gold medalists like Tara Davis-Woodhall and Gianmarco Tamberi have been vocal about how the omission of these field events makes the competition “boring” and lacks the excitement of a full track and field meet. On top of that, the inaugural event faced low attendance, with empty stands showing up in images online, leading some to question the event’s future viability. Moreover, Michael Johnson has been criticized for promoting the event primarily on his own.
Now, when we look at Athlos NYC, launched in September 2024, it’s taking a more inclusive route. This women-only event doesn’t just focus on track—field events are part of the mix, including the 100m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m. The prize pool here is no slouch either, with winners earning $60,000, second place taking home $25,000, and third-place athletes getting $10,000. But what really sets Athlos apart is its commitment to all its competitors: they share 10% of their revenue with every athlete. This approach has been well-received, especially with athletes like Tara Davis making waves in the competition.
GST and Athlos pursue track and field growth through distinct organizational strategies. However, people eagerly wonder about the prospects for GST during its upcoming Miami competition. Will it be able to overcome the criticism and draw in more fans and athletes? The race is on, and the future of these events is definitely something to keep an eye on. Only time will tell.
The post Called Out for Ignoring Athletes, Michael Johnson Issues Strong Statement Over Grand Slam Track’s Biggest Achivement appeared first on EssentiallySports.