Four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson remains unwavering in his mission to breathe new life into track and field, even after a major setback forced the cancellation of the final day of the 2025 Grand Slam Track.
The event was abruptly called off when a key investor pulled out at the last moment. leaving the promised $30 million prize pool short by around $3 million and missing its payout deadline.
Speaking on the Ready Set Go podcast with Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green, the four-time Olympic gold medalist acknowledged the vision is still alive.
“I have to keep working and keep moving. And our team will. We got a lot of work to do, and we accept that. If we want this to continue, and we absolutely do, we can’t stop,” Johnson said.
Johnson stressed that while there may be disagreements on how to reform the sport, there is universal agreement that change is necessary.
“We might disagree on the format, but we all know the sport needs to be changed for the better,” he added.
A Divisive but Determined Voice
Johnson’s outspoken remarks have split the fan base. Earlier, he sparked controversy by stating he couldn’t “save the field,” referring to the sport’s multiple disciplines. Critics saw this as dismissive of field events, but Johnson defended his honesty, noting the scale of the challenge.
Former Olympic champion Justin Gatlin acknowledged Johnson’s candor but urged for a more unifying approach.
“It was a bold statement, bro. Right now, more unity is better than division… fix what you can fix first,” Gatlin said on the podcast.Prize Money Promises Hit a Snag
Adding to the tension is a delay in prize payouts. Johnson had pledged a $30 million prize pool for the Grand Slam Track series, but with the investor pullout, around $3 million remains unpaid to athletes, and the deadline has already passed. Despite this, Johnson promised the competition will return in 2026, with tighter vetting of investors to avoid similar setbacks.
Eyes on the Future
For Johnson, the mission goes beyond one event or one season. His goal is to bring greater visibility, financial stability, and fan engagement to track and field. And while the road has been rocky, he insists the work will continue.
“We’re not gonna stop. We’re not gonna quit,” Johnson declared.
Whether fans agree with his methods or not, Johnson’s resolve ensures that the fight for the sport’s revival is far from over.
