The track and field scene is experiencing a shift, driven by two ambitious forces, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track and the women-powered Athlos, spearheaded by Alexis Ohanian.
Grand Slam Track captured attention with its bold promise of high-stakes, big-money competitions, aiming to professionalize the sport and elevate athlete earnings. But now, Athlos has raised the bar even higher, making a monumental leap that could redefine what it means to center athletes and fans in this new era of track and field.
When GST launched under the leadership of four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, expectations were sky-high. The promise of $12.6 million in total prize money and $100,000 for race winners sounded like the shake-up track and field desperately needed.
However, the league’s debut meet in Kingston, Jamaica, didn’t exactly light the world on fire. The turnout was lackluster, the atmosphere felt flat, and the online buzz paled in comparison to what Athlos NYC managed to achieve with just a single promotional video.
Part of the issue was GST’s controversial decision to exclude field events entirely. In a sport literally called “track and field,” leaving out half the show rubbed athletes and fans the wrong way.
Olympic medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall was one of the loudest critics, calling out GST for ignoring field events.
“You are ruining the sport if you are trying to save just track… It’s track and field for a reason!” She said In a heated video posted with her husband, Hunter Woodhall on X.
Athlos, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, capitalized on that gap by promising to spotlight both track and field disciplines equally. Their September 2024 debut was unapologetically bold, focusing exclusively on women’s events and offering a record-setting $60,000 for winners, double what the Diamond League Finals typically provide.
Even more revolutionary was Athlos’ revenue-sharing policy, distributing 10% of event earnings among all competing athletes, a financial model unheard of in the sport’s history. The event wasn’t just about big payouts; it was a fan experience masterclass, with shorter schedules, high-energy atmospheres, and viral social media campaigns. Within months, Athlos became the name on every track fan’s lips.
Faced with Athlos’ growing momentum and the sharp criticism surrounding its field-event snub, Grand Slam Track is now moving to fix its Miami meet.
To revive fan interest, GST must take cues from Athlos NYC’s success. First, incorporating field events like long jump and high jump would provide a complete experience, satisfying both athletes and spectators. Second, boosting fan engagement through social media hype, athlete-driven storytelling, and interactive experiences could replicate Athlos’ electric atmosphere.
Third, enhancing on-site production with dynamic music, crowd interactions, and high-energy presentation could transform GST meets into must-see events. Finally, while GST offers larger prize money, adopting a revenue-sharing model like Athlos’ could provide athletes with greater financial stability and long-term appeal. If GST makes these adjustments, Miami could mark a turning point—otherwise, Athlos may continue leading the race for fan and athlete loyalty.
The battle for track and field supremacy in the U.S. is officially underway. And while Athlos may have taken the early lead, GST’s course correction in Miami could reignite the race. If the league can successfully blend big-money payouts, athlete respect, and unforgettable fan moments, it might just prove that there’s room for more than one visionary in this sport’s long-overdue renaissance.
