Our Athletes Deserve Better - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's Coach Slams Grand Slam Track Cancellation

Sydney McLughlin-Levrone

Our Athletes Deserve Better - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's Coach Slams Grand Slam Track Cancellation

Abigael Wafula 13:30 - 15.06.2025

Bob Kersee has voiced frustration over the cancellation of the LA Grand Slam Track Meet.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach, Bob Kersee, has expressed disappointment following the cancellation of the fourth leg of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was undoubtedly the face of the event, having been the first athlete to be unveiled and went ahead to be a star attraction in all three editions of the event.

The 400m hurdles world record holder was in action at the debut of the event in Kingston, Jamaica, before the second and third editions of the event were held in Miami and Philadelphia.

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The fourth Slam was scheduled for Los Angeles but was cancelled on short notice, something that has gotten people talking, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach.

In a press statement, Michael Johnson pointed out that it was a tough measure to conclude the inaugural Grand Slam Track season.

“As we’ve said all along, we were going to have learnings, adjust, and continue to improve. Sometimes we have to make moves that aren’t comfortable, but what’s most important is the future and sustainability of the league,” Michael Johnson said.

“The global economic landscape has shifted dramatically in the past year, and this business decision has been made to ensure our long-term stability as the world’s premier track league.”

Bob Kersee: Our Athletes Are World-Class

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
World Record holder in the women's 400mH Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Photo: Imago

Bob Kersee shared a lengthy post on his Instagram stories, noting that the cancellation of the LA event continues to show the struggles that track and field is facing.

He expressed deep disappointment towards the move by Michael Johnson, pointing out that there have been a series of initiatives that promised athletes heaven and earth but failed to deliver.

Bob Kersee highlighted the root of the struggles, insisting that organisers and sponsors should be more intentional in making things work.

“Our athletes are world-class. They train hard and deserve better. The Grand Slam brand is still very promising, but today, seasons and careers are impacted,” Bob Kersee said in part.

“I'm calling on athletes (past or present), coaches, athletic brands, and corporate partners to step up! We need leaders who will commit to sustainable investment in our sport. Our world-class athletes deserve a world-class organisation and commitment to match.”

Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track offered prize money to the top eight finishers of each slam. The winners of each slam will walk away with $100,000, while those who finish second, third and fourth will pocket $50,000, $30,000 and $25,000.

Those who finish fifth, sixth and seventh will bag $20,000, $15,000 and $12,500, respectively, with the eighth-place finishers earning $10,000.

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