Michael Johnson: Why Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Fred Kerley and Co Are Key to Grand Slam Track's Mission

Michael Johnson has explained why having big track names participating in Grand Slam Track, such as Gabby Thomas is helping him realise his vision for other track stars in the league.

American sprint icon Michael Johnson believes athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Fred Kerley, and Kenny Bednarek are central to the continued rise of his Grand Slam Track concept, which recently held a groundbreaking second edition in Miami.

Speaking after the event, Johnson underscored how elite stars lend credibility and excitement to the series—but also how their presence helps unlock opportunity for unsung talent struggling on the fringes of the sport.

Johnson believes having such star names feature in the league is creating recognition and attracting fans to the event, which in turn, allows them to watch other track stars showcase their talent. 

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A couple of athletes who have had to boost their incomes with other jobs have as a result, benefited massively from the event, such as Dylan Beard.

Elevating the Overlooked

“It’s a great story—and we’ve already had some incredible ones, and this is only our second Slam,” Johnson said.

 “We’ve seen Walmart workers, UPS delivery drivers—people who load trucks for a living—win $50,000 and change their lives. That’s powerful.”

FOMO to Firepower: Anna Hall’s Leap

Johnson highlighted heptathlete Anna Hall as an example of the kind of athlete Grand Slam Track hopes to attract more of. Initially unsure whether she would participate, Hall ultimately joined after experiencing FOMO from watching the Kingston edition—and delivered what Johnson called an “unbelievable performance.”

“That’s just the caliber of athlete she is,” he said. “When you put the best against the best, you get amazing performances.”

For Johnson, the motivation behind Grand Slam Track runs deeper than just flashy meets and prize money—it’s about fixing a broken system.

“Track and field has amazing athletes, yet it’s been underappreciated, under-monetized, undervalued, and honestly, underperforming,” he explained. “And who suffers because of that? The athletes.”

He pointed out that even world-class competitors—like those running 43-second 400 meters—are forced to work pre-dawn shifts just to stay afloat financially. The lack of consistent, meaningful pay has driven many to give up on the sport altogether.

“The hard truth is, unless you make a major team—and sometimes even then—you don’t earn enough to survive,” Johnson said. “One injury and your contract is gone. That’s not right.”

This is why Grand Slam Track deliberately shines a light on overlooked athletes. Johnson cited Jacory Patterson , a UPS worker, and Dylan, who had been employed at Walmart, as recent breakout stars who now earn real money from the sport.

“Some people say, ‘You’re just giving money to the top stars who already make money.’ But that’s not true,” Johnson emphasized. “Now, these guys are finally getting paid.”

That said, Johnson acknowledged the vital role of big names like McLaughlin-Levrone, Kerley, and Thomas in drawing attention to the series.

“Yes, we need the stars. Without them, nobody shows up. Let’s be honest—people didn’t come to the event to see Jakori. But now that they’ve seen him and heard his story, they know who he is,” he said. “Someone watching might say, ‘I work at UPS too—that’s my guy.’”

Ultimately, Johnson says Grand Slam Track is about building a sport where the underdog and the superstar can thrive on the same stage—a place where performances matter, and stories like Jakori’s are no longer rare, but the norm.