Michael Johnson gets surprised by Jamaica's passion for track and field as he reaches Kingston to launch first edition of Grand Slam Track

Michael Johnson lauded Jamaica for their passion for track and field upon reaching Kingston to launch the first edition of Grand Slam Track. This event is all set to be executed in 2025.

The Grand Slam Track will include five events throughout the season, and its main motive is to provide an economic boost to the track athletes, considering the athletes' current marginal salaries. The prize pool of each event is notable, as the athletes attaining a first-place finish will receive $100,000, while the second and third-placed athletes will receive $50,000 and $30,000, respectively.

The track and field legend is gearing up to launch the first edition of this event and recently visited Jamaica for the same. During his visit, he was surprised by the Jamaicans' passion for track and field when he saw a track painted on the floor of Kingston's airport. Michael Johnson shared the picture of the painting on X and wrote:

"Of course there is a track painted on the floor of Kingston's airport!"

Johnson's Grand Slam Track only inculcates track events, and no field events are to be added to the roster. This competition is planned in a way that it won't clash with World Athletic's events.

Michael Johnson opened up about his vision for the Grand Slam Track

Michael Johnson announced the Grand Slam Track event in June 2024 and reflected on his motive behind creating the competition on X. He exuded pride on the launch and gave a shoutout to multiple brands and his team, who helped him throughout the journey.

"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," Michael Johnson wrote.

He also spoke about the motive of the event in a press release in 2024 and again expressed excitement for the launch.

"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."

Michael Johnson has won four Olympic gold medals by competing in three Olympic Games during his career.