"Your wishes are being fulfilled!"- Michael Johnson excited about changes in track centered on satisfying fans

Michael Johnson believes the current state of track is more focused on satisfying the fans, something that he has been working around the clock to achieve. The American sprint legend noted that with the current trends, fans were going to enjoy watching the sport.

Michael Johnson has been vocal about having a fan-based approach to track. The four-time Olympic champion shared that this season has seen a lot of changes from the Netflix docuseries ‘Sprint’ to launching his own track league, Grand Slam Track.

In a post on his X, Johnson shared that fans need drive to survive the track, and having the documentary is a bold step in the right direction. He added that the launch of his track league will also bring on board a unique thing.

The Grand Slam Track will debut in 2025 and will entail a fan-focused storytelling approach. The league will also be out to promote the track’s biggest stars, hosting four annual Slams.

Michael Johnson also disclosed that the track has many great personalities, something that makes the sport interesting.

Michael Johnson singled out triple world champion Noah Lyles, and reigning world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson who have been featured in the Sprint documentary. Others include Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Grant Holloway, Josh Kerr, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

"Track fans, your wishes are being fulfilled! ✅We need Drive to Survive for track! @netflix @BoxToBoxFilms, ✅We need someone to invest in our sport! @GrandSlamTrack, ✅We need personalities and stars@LylesNoah @itsshacarri @Flaamingoo_@GoSydGo @gianmarcotamber @tar___ruh @kwarholm @joshk97@JakobIng00 and MANY MORE!" he said.

Michael Johnson shares how he intends to make his track league fan-focused

Media Interviews - 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards - Berlin

American track legend Michael Johnson revealed plans to make fans feel included in track with his recently launched track league, the Grand Slam Track League.

Speaking to the Standard, Michael Johnson noted that most of the time, fans are overlooked in track, unlike other sports like golf and Formula 1.

Michael Johnson explained that most meet organizers are always out to satisfy the needs of an athlete and their management while fans are overlooked.

"Athletes use these events to get ready for an Olympics or World Championships, but it's not for the fans. You need a fan-driven product," he said.

"World Relays is an example of a constant problem with track. Amazing event but feels like the primary focus is providing an opportunity for athletes and federations, and fans are an afterthought. Too much of track is structured as 'this is our event for us', kind of like opening a restaurant set to serve just your family and wondering why you have no customers," Johnson added.

Johnson added that the main aim of the track league will be to develop the ‘track and field of Formula One, NFL, UFC, tennis or golf.’

"How do we create the track and field of that as opposed to how do we take track and field and improve on track and field? That has failed many, many times and the sport is so far behind in terms of its profile compared to other sports," he said.

Johnson’s new track league will pit the greatest athletes against each other with millions of prize money at stake.

The winner of each Slam category will earn $100,000, and if an athlete wins all four slams, they will pocket $400,000.