American sprint hot-shot Alaysha Johnson has set her sights on dethroning reigning 100-meter hurdles queen Masai Russell in the 2025 season and, in the process, inspire a legion of successful track and field athletes.
Alaysha Johnson has opted out of indoor races to focus entirely on the outdoor season, with her sights set on the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
After a heartbreaking seventh-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Johnson is determined to claim her place on the podium.
“Anyone who knows me, I’m one of the biggest risk-takers. I’m going to go for it. I want to bring a whole new audience to track and field. I have four years, maybe five if I push it,” Johnson told Forbes.
Her season will kick off at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen, China, in April, marking the beginning of her high-stakes journey this year.
Alaysha Johnson targets to transform the sport’s financial aspect to guarantee athletes financial stability even long after they are done running.
“I truly think I’m one of the biggest commodities in track and field. I’m not afraid to do things a different way.”
“For me, it’s time to capitalize off of who I am and what I do. It’s not just about saying, ‘I’m a track and field athlete.I’m someone who travels the world, and I get paid. Let’s make this as profitable as it can be,” she added.
Track and field has long been overlooked, with many athletes struggling financially post-retirement.
Johnson is determined to change that narrative, leveraging her platform to elevate the sport’s profile and profitability, as she takes on Masai Russell and the world.
