Noah Lyles continues to be vocal on his Grand Slam Track criticism despite not signing for the Michael Johnson-founded league.
Olympic champion Noah Lyles has opened up on why he is so critical of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track despite not signing for the league.
The Olympic champion was among the big names evidently missing from Grand Slam Track's final list of participants.
Lyles, however, has been vocal in his opinion of the league despite not committing his future to the Michael Johnson venture.
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Lyles' Criticism of Grand Slam
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On the back of the inaugural Jamaican Kingston leg of the league, Lyles has opened up about his continued input.
"I do want it to succeed. I don't know what things look like behind the scenes, but I genuinely want to see it thrive," said Lyles in a recent episode of the Beyond the Records podcast.
"I'm probably so critical of it because it's the closest thing we've had to real professionalism in track. It’s a heavy burden, but it fits. It’s like, oh my gosh, they could really pull this off. And I think that’s why so many people are critical of it, because it’s so close," he added.
"Everyone’s looking at it thinking, 'You could be the one.' So naturally, people want to give their two cents on how they think it should be done, or what the best way forward might be. And honestly, I’d say that’s probably why I’m so critical too."
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Lyles on Grand Slam Track
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It is not for lack of trying that Michael Johnson failed to sign Lyles for the inaugural league.
The American sprinter expressed criticism, citing the lack of a broadcast deal as his reason for not getting on board. However, even after Johnson secured a deal, Lyles still did not sign.
Lyles, who watched at home as American sprint rival Kenny Bednarek claimed the double in the 100m and 200m in Kingston, has shared his thoughts on what he would like to see done differently.
"I'd really love to see a real push for storytelling. Michael mentioned that storytelling was going to be one of their big three main focuses. They already have the competition — now it's time to add some stories and emotion behind some of these athletes," said Lyles.
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Despite Lyles’ skepticism, Johnson has left the door open for the possibility of the double-world champion signing with the league.
The next leg of Grand Slam Track will head to Miami, USA, before heading to Philadelphia and concluding in Los Angeles.