Grand Slam Track aims for an exciting redesign of the existing track model.

Track and field is infamous for both poorly compensating its athletes and having unreliable media coverage. The reported earnings of top track athletes is not at all consistent with the money they generate for international track leagues. Moreover, athletes who are not at the highest level often report financial struggle, which is worsened with the expenses that come with the sport. Despite high gross intakes for international track leagues, athletes have yet to see a big bump in their compensation. As if poor compensation wasn’t enough, elite track and field athletes receive inconsistent media  coverage of their competitions.

That’s where Grand Slam Track (GST) comes in. Michael Johnson, former American 200-meter record holder, envisions a new international track and field league that properly compensates the world’s best athletes while also redefining the structure of a professional track meet. In April, Johnson announced that he had secured $30 million in funding for the league.

Johnson is taking action to boost athlete’s compensation. GST boasts a $100,000 first place prize for each of its four annual meetings (or “Slams”) — double the Olympics’ $50,000 first place prize. Additionally, eighth-place finishers will take home $10,000, where they would normally leave the competition empty handed. 

In terms of the structure of meets, GST is reinventing the wheel. Rather than simply competing in singular events, athletes will compete in two events designated by event groups, and their placing will be determined by their performance in both events. Grand Slam Track will have 48 regular, signed athletes at each “Slam” competing against 48 “challenger” athletes who change from Slam to Slam. Johnson believes that this new structure will draw more fans and publicity to the sport.

Athletes at South are certainly excited for the new change. 

“It’s definitely a positive improvement for track and field,” South sophomore and track athlete Yosuke Shibata said. “I feel like track and field athletes in general don’t get a lot of pay. So I think it’s not only good for media, but it’s also good for the athletes.” Fans will have to wait until spring to get the first taste of Johnson’s new creation with GST’s meet schedule running from April to September 2025. Until then, track and field’s indoor winter season will proceed with no new major challengers.​​

By Zev Wacks