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Michael Johnson questions the overhyping of track performances while preparing to launch his Grand Slam Track League, with possible future UK expansion.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has voiced concerns over what he perceives as a trend of overhyping performances in the sport.
The four-time Olympic gold medalist and current U.S. 400m national record holder with a time of 43.18 seconds has remained a significant voice in athletics since his retirement, often addressing key issues in the sport through social media.
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20:30 - 18.01.2025
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Johnson, who has gained prominence as a commentator and advocate for track and field, took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to share his observations on the exaggerated praise surrounding recent performances.
He wrote, “Is it me or does it seem every track performance is marked with 🔥? Are they all really 🔥?”.
His tweet sparked widespread conversation within the athletics community, with many agreeing that a critical lens is necessary to preserve the credibility and standards of the sport.
Beyond his commentary on current trends, Johnson is actively reshaping the future of track and field with the launch of his Grand Slam Track League.
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20:00 - 18.01.2025
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The league, set to debut in April, will host events across four major cities in the United States: Kingston, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Johnson shared his excitement about this new endeavor while also hinting at future plans for international expansion.
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16:31 - 19.01.2025
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In an interview with the BBC, Johnson revealed that although UK Athletics has not formally declined the prospect of hosting a league event, the stakeholders decided to concentrate on the U.S.-based cities for the inaugural edition.
“The UK is a fantastic market for athletics, and we see potential there. For now, our focus is on establishing a strong foundation in the U.S., but we’re optimistic about expanding to the UK in the future,” Johnson said.
The Grand Slam Track League aims to create a fresh, engaging format for fans while providing athletes with more opportunities to compete on a global stage.
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19:23 - 18.01.2025
'I'm scared of her'- Sifan Hassan reveals the Kenyan star she fears most, tips Faith Kipyegon for marathon success
Dutch woman Sifan Hassan has disclosed the Kenyan marathoner she fears the most as she disclosed that Faith Kipyegon is destined for more success if she moves to the marathon.
By focusing initially on American cities, the league intends to build a robust model that can be replicated internationally in subsequent editions.
Johnson’s vision for the league is rooted in his commitment to enhancing the visibility and viability of track and field.
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