Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track takes a dig at Diamond League after the latter disallows Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to compete in the finals

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone received a warm welcome from Michael Johnson in his Grand Slam Track League after the Diamond League series ruled the hurdler out from participating in the finals. According to the series rules, McLaughlin-Levrone didn't fulfill the criteria to receive even a 'Global Wild Card' for the Brussels events.

The 25-year-old broke her own 400m hurdles world record at the Paris Olympics, clocking 50.37m in the final. She also bagged the 4x400m relay gold with her teammates, mirroring her double-gold feat from Tokyo 2020.

Shortly after, the hurdler was set to participate in the Diamond League finals but was ruled as ineligible by the governing body. She hasn't participated in enough Diamond League races since 2018, the latest being the 2023 Meeting de Paris. As a result, she didn't amass points or meet the current season's qualification criteria for even a Wild Card invitation.

Former US track legend Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track was not content with the turn of events for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. it took to his X handle to welcome the 25-year-old in his Grand Slam Track League, promising four races a year.

"Dear Syd, We'll let you run... four times a year."

Athletes who run at least one race in a season, get a high enough ranking on the World Athletics Rankings or are a reigning Olympic, World and Diamond League champion, typically get Global Wild Cards.

The Diamond League finals, also known as Memorial Van Damme, will run from September 13 - 14, 2024.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone received invitation for two 'special races' in Brussels

The Olympic Games-Paris 2024 - Source: Getty

The 400m hurdles world record holder was honored by the Memorial Van Damme after she was ruled as ineligible for Diamond League finals participation. Two 'special races' (not part of the Wanda Diamond League) have been arranged for her as a tribute to her Olympic success.

"To avoid any confusion or misunderstanding, we do confirm that 400m hurdles Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will be competing at the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, but not as part of the Wanda Diamond League Final races," Allianz Memorial Van Damme confirmed on Instagram.

The caption further read:

"To honour Sydney’s remarkable achievements, including her unforgettable 400m hurdles world record in Paris, we’ve added two special races. She will run the 400m on Friday and the 200m on Saturday at 19h53."

After Michael Johnson launched the Grand Slam Track in an attempt to revolutionize the sport, he signed Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the first competitor. The event will encompass four races a year and is scheduled to debut in 2025.