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Michael Johnson highlights why he chose Jamaica as the host for the first-ever Grand Slam Track meet
Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track recently announced that the competition’s debut meet will take place in Jamaica next year. Now, the former World and Olympic champion is explaining his decision to host GST in the Caribbean island, highlighting the nation's contributions to the sport.
Johnson is widely considered to be one of the greatest sprinters to set foot on the track. He ran the 200 and 400m and collected four Olympic golds and eight World Championships golds over the course of his career. The American also held the world records for the 200m, 300m, 400m, and well as the indoor 400m at one point.
The 57-year-old retired from track and field after the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games but has continued to stay involved with the sport. Earlier this year, Michael Johnson announced the launch of Grand Slam Track, an innovative track meet that would take place four times a year.
Now, GST has announced that it will debut in Jamaica next April, and Johnson explained this decision writing on X,
“Why am I taking the first ever @GrandSlamTrack slam to Kingston? Jamaica deserves to be recognized for its contributions to the sport!”
In a press release, the sprinter added,
“Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport. The talent and love for the sport here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building. It’s going to be an incredible event, and we’re proud to have Kingston [Jamaica’s capital] as one of our four slams in our inaugural season to kick this whole thing off.”
Michael Johnson on the motivation behind Grand Slam Track
Since his retirement, Michael Johnson has been a vocal advocate for track and field athletes, highlighting the need for better compensation. The sprinter has also spoken up about the sport's dwindling popularity, calling for better promoted and broadcasted events.
Speaking on the motivation behind Grand Slam Track, Johnson highlighted these as the primary reasons, saying (as quoted by AP),
“It’s providing the fans and the athletes what they’ve been asking for. I think there’s a real opportunity here. They’re frustrated at an all-time level with the sport, at the elite level, the way it’s been over the last couple of years where they’re not compensated and recognized for their tremendous talent. I’ve been very pleased with the level of interest and excitement about what we’re building, which sort of validates the idea to some degree.”
Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track is set to begin next year with four competitions. While Jamaica will be hosting the inaugural meet in April, Los Angeles has also been announced as one of the host cities. Athletes who have signed with the league so far include Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Masai Russell, Cole Hocker, and more.
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