Michael Johnson "proud" to introduce track event with $12.6 million prize purse in attempt to revolutionize track for athletes and viewers

Michael Johnson has introduced the Grand Slam Track, a new athletics circuit that he hopes will revolutionize the sport. The GST will feature six events groups competed four times a year and is set to be the highest paying track circuit of the world.

Michael Johnson, a sprinting legend himself, has been a passionate advocate for better opportunities for track and field athletes and better event management for fans. After retiring, the American has continued to stay connected with the sport, and started hinting to fans a while ago that he was going to be introducing something big.

In February of this year, initial reports about Johnson’s partnership with Winners Alliance, a global athlete licensing and sponsorship firm, made their way around the media. lt was later confirmed that the Olympic Champion had secured $30 million in funding from investors and other partners.

Now, Grand Slam Track, Michael Johnson’s latest venture to elevate the world of track and field has finally been unveiled, and the American took to X to talk about it.

"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 wrote.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on signing with Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track

One of the most unique aspects of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track will be the format of the competition. Unlike most track events, where athletes can randomly sign up to compete, the GST will always host a total of 96 athletes.

Half of these will be the core athletes of the event, named the ‘GST Racers’, and the other half will differ every meet and will be known as the ‘GST Challengers.

The Racers will be on contract with the league and will receive an annual base compensation. They will be chosen off their Championship titles, world rankings, fandom and more. Meanwhile, the Challengers will be invited based on current performances, and will be compensated with an appearance fee. Both the Racers and Challengers are eligible for the prize money up for grabs.

The first track star to sign-up to become a GST Racer is two-time Olympic Champion, three-time World Champion, and world-record holder in the 400m Hurdles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

Speaking on signing with Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track, McLaughlin-Levrone said in a press release,

“I’m honored to be one of the first Racers in Grand Slam Track. Michael’s vision is clear, and he’s exactly the leader this sport needs to break new ground. I am thrilled to be a part of this league and look forward to everything we have coming in the future. I firmly believe that this is the step forward that track needs to take it to another level, and I can't wait to get to work with the team.”

The Grand Slam Track is set to commence from 2025, with two of the four meets taking place in the USA. The competition will feature a generous cash award of $100,000 for the winners, and fans. will be waiting to see what other top athletes join Michael Johnson on his latest venture.