Michael Johnson expresses disbelief as his dream venture Grand Slam Track takes shape

By Animesh Pandey

Modified Oct 24, 2024 05:26 GMT

Michael Johnson seemed overwhelmed with the response to his dream project: the Grand Slam Track League. The former Olympic champion took to social media to express his disbelief.

30 of the 48 athletes suggested for the Grand Slam Track League have officially signed up for the much-awaited inaugural season, which will be held in 2025. Johnson posted this on his X account:

"Keep telling myself this is not a dream!"

Athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Shamier Little, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Quincy Hall, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Masai Russell, Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker, Marileidy Paulino, etc. have signed up for the event. The inaugural season will feature only track events.

The winner would take home a grand prize of $100,000, while the runner-up would receive $50000. The second runner-up would take home the prize money of $30000. Even the participant who has come last or eighth overall will receive at least $10000.

According to the reports, the first season of the Grand Slam Track League will be held from April to September 2025. Contrary to the Olympic Games, which are held once every four years, the Grand Slam Track League will be held annually to revolutionize the sport of track and field.

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Michael Johnson on his vision for Grand Slam Track

Michael Johnson mentions his vision for the Grand Slam Track [Image for Representational Purposes] [Image Source: Getty]

The Grand Slam Track League is just not a random track meet. It is a dream project for Michael Johnson, who once dominated the sprinting track in the early 90s. The idea for the Grand Slam Track League was conceptualized in the 90s, though it took the four-time Olympic gold medalist almost three decades to make it a reality.

When the league was officially announced in June 2024, Johnson took to X to express his thoughts.

"I’m so proud to have launched Grand Slam Track yesterday. This is only the starting line! So many people have worked tirelessly over the last year to get us here: My @GrandSlamTrack staff, @WinnersAlliance (capital & operating partner), @TwoCirclesMade (fan research and commercial strategy). doubledayandcartwright.com (creative), @BenSosenko (PR & comms), and @aysworld (event marketing). WE’RE ABOUT TO CHANGE THIS GAME," Johnson mentioned.

The former American sprinter also revealed that he is in no way against the Wanda Diamond League. The main aim of the Grand Slam Track League is to popularize athletics, and not let its hype be restricted to only around the Olympics.

In a press release in June 2024, Johnson mentioned his vision for the event at length.

"We are excited to launch this new platform for the planet’s greatest racers in this sport we all love. Our team has worked tirelessly to design and build a product that will be loved by fans and provide opportunities for our racers that they truly deserve. We’re revolutionizing the track landscape, allowing our sport to remain at the forefront of the sporting world year-round," stated the press release.

Michael Johnson once held the world records for the men's 200m and 400m events. He won four Olympic gold medals since his debut at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Through the Grand Slam Track League, he wants to ensure that the sport of athletics gets its due.