With Olympic icon Michael Johnson at the helm, Grand Slam Track (GST) promised big money, head-to-head rivalries, and a fresh format designed to rejuvenate a sport long yearning for innovation.
But now, just months later, the dream is unraveling, and at the center of the storm is Johnson himself, facing serious questions.
A Promising Start Turns Sour
The league’s first three meets in Jamaica, Miami, and Philadelphia were nothing short of electric. The promise of $100,000 first-place prizes and a $12.6 million total purse had the world’s fastest athletes buzzing.
Big names like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Josh Kerr turned up, while broadcasts on Peacock and The CW gave GST the glitz and reach it needed to capture new audiences.
But then, without warning, the Los Angeles Grand Slam finale. slated to be the crown jewel of the season, was abruptly canceled on June 12, 2025, reportedly due to ‘lease issues.’ It was the first public sign that all wasn’t well behind the scenes.
Noah Williams Drops a Bombshell
While rumors swirled about financial mismanagement, the situation exploded when rising track star Noah Williams appeared on TrackWorldNews, confirming the worst fears of many athletes.
“This is a huge disappointment,” Williams said, visibly frustrated.
“I thought this was such a good opportunity for people like myself.”
He revealed that, according to a source, GST owes athletes a staggering $12.8 million in prize money, money that remains unpaid months after races concluded.
More alarmingly, Williams suggested the organization may have filed for bankruptcy to sidestep potential lawsuits from athletes seeking the money they’re owed.
“The climate of the situation seems like a ploy to buy themselves more time,” he added.
Michael Johnson’s Grand Vision Now in Jeopardy
GST’s collapse is particularly stunning given its bold beginnings. When Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, unveiled the project in June 2024, he promised to “revolutionize track and field” with a dynamic league emphasizing consistent rivalries, head-to-head competition, and an athlete-first prize structure.
Backed by a reported $30 million investment, the league’s inaugural 2025 season launched with huge ambitions, and initially delivered. The early meets attracted crowds, fan engagement soared online, and athletes voiced support for the new model.
But behind the scenes, financial troubles mounted. By July 2025, reports of unpaid prize money began circulating, and several GST executives quietly departed. The league announced a restructuring process, but no clear plan emerged for salvaging the season or compensating athletes.
The league’s 2026 plans remain in limbo, with many in the track and field world wondering if GST will ever recover.
