Imagine being the fastest in the world. Toiling hard day in and day out and raking up all the track and field accolades. But when it comes to recognition from the crowd, it only happens once in 4 years! Pretty weird and heartbreaking, right? Well, that is exactly what happened with US track and field stalwart, Michael Johnson. While he won 4 Olympic gold medals, Johnson found it extremely hard to remain relatable between the Olympics.
So, having suffered some significant complications in branding himself during his peak, Johnson now wants all of his successors not to walk down the same path. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Johnson delved deep into the situation. As an example, he referred to the likes of Rai Benjamin and Vernon Norwood. Johnson pointed out that although the track fans now know who they were, they didn’t have a clue about the duo before the Olympics.
It’s frustrating for athletes like Norwood and Benjamin, who’ve been performing at a high level for years, to only get noticed during the Olympics. For stars of their caliber, that kind of limited recognition feels pretty underwhelming.
Thus, Johnson now wants to change how people perceive track and field. After all, coming back every four years and cutting through the competition every time is not at all a plausible aspect for an athlete. Especially when the prime timespan of a track athlete is very limited. Recalling his own experiences, Johnson told the New York Times, “Going back to when I was competing… I always felt like people knew me as an Olympic champion. They knew me as ‘Oh, you’re the fastest in the world’, but they didn’t really know why other than because they saw me three years ago in the Olympics.” But this was something that did not sit well with Johnson.
Former American Sprinter Michael Johnson receives setback from UK Athletics. (Credit-Getty Images)
As he was training hard and winning races, naturally, Johnson wanted his fans to know more about his achievements. “But I was competing every year, working really hard, training, winning races, dominating, but nobody really knew that part about me. I found myself being the best in the world, but having to explain,” said Johnson. He even remembered people asking him what he was doing when Johnson was not competing in the Olympics. Getting rid of this practice, Johnson wants more exposure via proper broadcasting, athlete agreements, and sponsorships. And one of his best bets to achieve the goal is none other than Grand Slam Track.
Michael Johnson fires back at critics as Grand Slam Track faces a crucial test
Michael Johnson’s latest venture, Grand Slam Track, isn’t just an event—it’s a rebellion. As one of the sport’s most decorated legends, Johnson has had enough of a system that sidelines its own. When critics recently challenged the viability of financially supporting track athletes, especially in underfunded nations, Johnson didn’t stay silent. “That’s why I started @GrandSlamTrack,” he wrote on X, cutting through the noise with rare clarity.
For Johnson, the problem lies deeper than budget constraints—it’s structural. “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… where they only get paid if they win one of three medals,” he posted. The Grand Slam Track, then, is his answer—a platform meant to change not just who wins, but who eats. The format isn’t about seasonal peaks; it’s about sustained opportunity.
But while Johnson’s vision is grand, the road ahead is anything but easy. His candid post was sparked by a user questioning athlete complaints, especially from countries struggling economically. In stepping up, Johnson isn’t just defending athletes—he’s daring the sport to evolve. Whether Grand Slam Track succeeds or stumbles, it’s already started a fire the sport can’t ignore.
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