Jamaican Experts Criticize Michael Johnson’s Mismanagement of Grand Slam Track Series Debut in Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaican track and field community has raised concerns over Michael Johnson’s handling of the inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) event, which debuted in Kingston from April 4–6, 2025. While the event showcased world-class athletic talent, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, its poor attendance highlighted critical organizational flaws. The National Stadium in Kingston, with a capacity of 35,000, saw only a fraction of its seats filled.
Sports analyst Leighton Levy of SportsMax TV attributed the low turnout to a misalignment with local culture and logistics. Events scheduled during heavy Friday evening traffic and Sunday family hours alienated prospective attendees. Additionally, socioeconomic factors were overlooked, making ticket sales inaccessible for many Jamaicans. Levy noted, “Johnson’s team missed the mark on understanding Jamaica’s unique cultural and economic dynamics.”
Michael Johnson acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic about the series’ broader appeal. “The fans who showed up were engaged, and that’s a positive we can build on,” Johnson stated. However, critics argue that immediate changes are necessary to avoid future failures. Suggestions include better scheduling, affordable ticket pricing, and deeper community engagement.
The GST promises thrilling competition and substantial incentives, with a $12.6 million prize pool. However, local analysts warn that without significant adjustments, the series could struggle to maintain momentum beyond its athletic successes. The next GST meet is scheduled for Miami on May 2–4, providing Johnson’s team an opportunity to implement lessons learned in Kingston.
With Jamaica’s rich track and field heritage, fans had high expectations for the series’ debut. Johnson’s ability to adapt and align future events with local preferences could determine whether GST thrives as a global track sensation or fizzles out due to organizational shortcomings.
Summarry
Jamaica’s experts argue that the Grand Slam Track Team overlooked Jamaica’s social and economic factors.
The entry tickets were high, leading to low attendance.