Back in June, Michael Johnson had to take a tough “business decision” to curtail the Grand Slam Track, midseason. Not only was the LA leg called off, but with time, GST’s pending payments, about $13M surfaced, raising questions about this league. Amid this, athletes like Gabby Thomas demanded to be paid their money. Some personalities, like Alexis Ohanian, pointed out that this cancelation isn’t the ideal situation. But who sided with GST and highlighted its plus points? Not many. Just mounting frustration. No defenders. Until now, as GST finally has someone backing it, and it’s none other than Kenny Bednarek.
The Grand Slam Track situation has reached a point where even the highest bodies are turning their backs on Michael Johnson’s league. The World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, recently said that he hasn’t spoken to MJ in “several months.” And when asked if he would step in to resolve the issue on the athletes’ behalf as of now, he wasn’t very keen and said, “Well, let’s just watch this space.” But amid such drastic stances, we have Kenny Bednarek’s comments about the Grand Slam Track, and they finally seem to be painting a good picture about the Grand Slam Track!
On July 21, Forbes posted an article featuring details from an exclusive Zoom talk with the reigning 200m Olympic silver medalist. That’s where he detailed his Grand Slam Track experience and said the GST gave him, a “lot more freedom” and never-before-seen perks. Listing down a few of these benefits, he said, “I would say the first thing is just getting first-class tickets to every event that we’ve gone to. That was something that I was pretty new to. So that is something I really enjoyed. ”
Kenny Bednarek even highlighted, “But my friends and family also had the freedom to be where I was, where the practice track was, being closer to the infield, and everything else.” He appreciated that there were not many stern restrictions for the family members, which enhanced the overall experience for the athletes. Yes, Michael Johnson’s GST had promised that there would be care given to athletes beyond the lofty pay. This included business class seats, guaranteed tickets for friends and family, and the ability to bring their own videographers and training staff as some of the perks. Looks like MJ and his league have truly lived up to that word!
However, Kenny Bednarek didn’t stop there. The athlete who hasn’t lost a single GST race this year then went on to cite, “I guess just all the media coverage was one of the biggest things. With the other leagues, you get a select few people who do the media coverage and all that. But I feel like with the Grand Slam, a lot of people had the opportunity to showcase what their plans were, why they were there, and what they’re expected to do at the Grand Slam.” Overall, he said, “Everything about the Grand Slam, I really enjoyed.”
Well, monetarily too, the GST seems to have been very good for the athlete. Thanks to being a Slam Champion at all three legs of Michael Johnson’s GST, Bednarek won the $100k prize money thrice. While he didn’t comment on GST’s recent pay issues, he certainly appreciated the league for giving him experiences he hadn’t had previously. And well, Bednarek’s comment plays a major role. After all, he’s been one of America’s most vocal athletes about pay issues. We have seen that there were days in the past when he suffered issues with flight tickets and pointed them out openly.
How Michael Johnson’s league solved Bednarek’s issues
When Kenny Bednarek won a medal at the highest stage, the Paris Olympics, he expected a basic upgrade. And that was for his flight back home. Alas, he didn’t get that. Despite a Paris 200m Olympic silver, he continued to get the same treatment. That’s when he tweeted on X, “No flight upgrade after a silver medal.” Imagine, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track gave him what he didn’t even get at the highest level in the sport. Naturally, he’d appreciate that.
This appreciation coming from Bednarek is even more special because he is someone who has never minced his words about the track and field’s issues. Back in May 2024, Kenny Bednarek had openly cited that even in preparing for the U.S. Olympic Trials, the athletes had to face severe financial strain. “The cost to fly and accommodate my team at the trials and Olympics is pretty wild. Prices are jacked up.” This time? The Grand Slam Track allowed them to bring their own training staff and gave out guaranteed tickets for friends and family. Naturally, he’d appreciate these new changes, which solve the issues he has voiced in the past year.
Thus, after the Kingston leg, Kenny Bednarek added another X post saying, “@MJGold [Michael Johnson] has created something special – this series is raising the bar for athletes, for fans, for the sport.” He openly admired the league and said, “I’ve never been to a meet where my experience and my brand were respected at this level.” Well, certainly the GST must have done something extraordinary! No wonder Bednarek is openly throwing his support behind the league and Michael Johnson! What do you think?
The post Kenny Bednarek Makes Stand With Michael Johnson as Stars Turn on Him Over GST Pay Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.