Michael Johnson explains motivation behind Grand Slam Track
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 07.01.25. | 22:00
In addition to a $12.6m (£10m) prize pot, 48 contracted 'racers' will receive a base salary to compete at all four slams
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has opened up on the motivation behind the much-anticipated Grand Slam Track. The meet has been the talk of town, having attracted big names in the athletics world.
Launched in June 2024, just before the Paris Olympics, the project seeks to sustain the buzz generated every four years by bringing together the world’s fastest athletes for regular high-stakes competitions.
The first meet will be held in April in Kingston, Jamaica.
Speaking on his motivation, Johnson revealed that during his competitive days, he harboured a deep desire to bring transformative change to the sport of athletics.
With Grand Slam Track, he has taken the first tangible step toward realizing that vision.
“Let me say this, all of us athletes, and agents, we’ve been in this sport forever. And for a long time, we’ve been complaining about it, calling for change. Well, this is the change,” he said.
He urged the competing athletes to be authentic and believe in themselves.
“Listen, just go out there and race. Be your authentic self. You're here because of who you are, not because of something we want you to be.
Just be you, just do you. You've done it enough times to know you deserve to be here, and that's exactly why you're here,” he said.
Johnson who has worked as a BBC Sport pundit since 2001, emphasized that Grand Slam Track is built with athletes and fans in mind. He aims to provide better financial rewards for competitors while giving fans more opportunities to witness thrilling rivalries.
“I want to say I appreciate you all for recognizing this change. I appreciate you for trusting me, for trusting us, and for saying, 'I’m good with it. Sign me up. I want to be a part of this,” he concluded.
In addition to a $12.6m (£10m) prize pot, 48 contracted 'racers' will receive a base salary to compete at all four slams.
How will it work?
At each slam the racers are joined by 48 challengers in one of six groups of men and women - they are short and long sprints, short and long hurdles, and short and long distances - with each athlete running in two events.
Athletes receive points for their finishing position in both races. The combined results determine each slam's champion - and the recipient of $100,000 (£79,500).
Three of the first four host cities are in the United States, with stops in Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles following the curtain-raiser in Kingston, Jamaica.
Johnson said the decision was taken to focus on the US audience in the first year - and denied reports that UK Athletics had rejected the chance to host a Grand Slam Track event.
