★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★
★ To get the daily Sports Examiner Recap by e-mail: sign up here! ★
≡ GRAND SLAM TRACK ≡
Olympic icon Michael Johnson, the founder of the Grand Slam Track circuit which held three meets in the spring and canceled a fourth, posted a three-panel, 758-word letter on X on Friday, explaining the plans for the future. His bottom line:
“We’re not done yet.
“Not even close.”
However, there are a lot of questions to be answered, and he explained:
● “It is incredibly difficult to live with the reality that you’ve built something bigger than yourself while simultaneously feeling like you’ve let down the very people you set out to help.
“However, I have to own that.”
● “We set out with a bold vision for this league, and even through our trials, we set the stage for unforgettable races, records, upsets, and long-awaited matchups. Our Racers and Challengers brought their talent, personalities, and were race ready – constantly giving the fans something to cheer for. They believed in what we were building, even when they didn’t have to, and for that I am deeply grateful. Many have shared just how much fun they’ve had competing with us this season. We were all in the arena together, building this amazing thing.
“That is success to me.”
● “We were devastated when we learned we would not receive the funding committed to us. We worked tirelessly alongside our investors and board to find a quick solution to the problem. Up until and even after the LA postponement, we were getting positive signs that a solution was close. However, we determined the best thing to do would be to conclude our season early to avoid further losses and start the lengthy process of stabilizing the company to get back on track.
“But unfortunately, we saw circumstances change in ways beyond our control.”
● “Due to our strong desire to make this right as quickly as possible, we offered dated payment timelines and have been unable to meet them. Understandably, this has led to frustration, disappointment, and inconvenience to our athletes, agents, and vendors. I know this damages trust. I know this makes some wonder if our vision can survive. That is why we are not just addressing the immediate problem; we are putting systems and partnerships in place to make sure it never happens again.”
(The prize money for the 4-6 April Kingston, Jamaica meet was expected to be paid by the end of July, but was not.)
● “The 2026 season will not happen until those obligations are met and that is my #1 priority.
“Winners are defined by how they respond to setbacks, and our team has responded with the fight and commitment to make this right. We are doing the work required to secure the right capital partners to ensure the long-term sustainability of Grand Slam Track.
“That starts with paying the athletes and satisfying our outstanding debt in order to continue the momentum toward a better future for athletes, fans, and the league.”
● “I have spent the last several weeks meeting with excited investors who see the value of Grand Slam Track and believe, just as we do, that track deserves a prominent place in global sports. That said, this process takes time. The reality of our business and the world is that it’s complex and is hard to rush, especially with long-term investments and selecting the right partner is so important to this project. So, I’m asking for your continued grace, patience, and encouragement as we navigate this next chapter.
“Despite the challenges of the past few months, I remain confident about the future of Grand Slam Track.”
There are varying estimates of how much the circuit owes to athletes and vendors of $13 million or more that will have to be settled. And there will be a need for much more cash to be paid up front before any meets will take place in 2026, not only for athletes, but also for service providers and vendors.
Athletes who have spoken about the situation have said that appearance fees for the first meet, in Kingston, were paid, but not the prize money (about $3 million per meet). Some or all of the fees and prizes for the other two meets, in Miramar, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have not been paid.
The fate of the circuit will, as Johnson has noted, depend on the athletes and suppliers being paid in full.
¶
★ Receive our exclusive, weekday TSX Recap by e-mail by clicking here.
★ Sign up a friend to receive the TSX Recap by clicking here.
★ Please consider a donation here to keep this site going.
For our updated, 699-event International Sports Calendar for 2025, 2026 and beyond, by date and by sport, click here!
