'That's Why I Started Grand Slam' - Michael Johnson Defends Decision to Start His League Amid Recent Criticism

Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league has been the subject of criticism lately, but he has stood tall and explained once again why he decided to start the league.

The debut edition of the Grand Slam Track was held in Kingston, Jamaica, at the National Stadium from April 4 to 6, where most of the criticism stemmed from.

The second edition of the track league is scheduled for Miami at the Ansin Sports Complex from May 2 to 4.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Michael Johnson is not relenting as he continues hyping up the second edition of the event, hoping that this time around, it will be much better, with tons of fans flooding the stadium.

The prize money structure will remain the same, with the top eight finishers being awarded. The winners will walk away with $100,000, with the second, third and fourth-place finishers bagging $50,000, $30,000.00 and $25,000.

An X (Twitter) user shared a post, noting that if US athletes constantly complain of having to work other jobs to cater for their needs, Jamaican athletes need to do more than that.

The user seemingly insinuated that track and field is a poor sport, and Jamaican athletes will also not be able to thrive while focusing solely on track and field.

“If American athletes complain every year about lacking support and having to work 9-5 jobs while being pro athletes, why do we think JAMAICA can find the money to pay all our athletes a liveable wage? This is a broke sport in a 3rd world economy. Be realistic,” the user said.

In reply, Michael Johnson revealed that such realities are what forced him to start the Grand Slam Track, which will help athletes earn extra income.

Michael Johnson added that athletes struggle to secure slots to represent their countries in global championships, which do not come yearly, and he wanted a venture to help them earn even without the World Championships and Olympic Games.

“Problem is a system where hundreds of athletes train for a whole year to compete for 1 of 3 spots to represent their country in 1 global championship, where they only get paid if they win 1 of 3 medals. That's why I started @GrandSlamTrack,” he replied.

Michael Johnson’s league was criticised by Diamond League founder Patrick Magyar, who shared a lengthy post on his LinkedIn.

He explained why Grand Slam Track was bound to face a major hit, noting that it was a major flop and was very boring.

“It took just one competition day for the much-hyped Grand Slam Track series to prove it’s not the future of track and field – it’s a flop. In fact, “Grand Flop Track” might be a more accurate name,” Magyar shared in part.

“What did we see? Boring, lifeless competitions, long stretches of nothing happening, and – perhaps most telling – an empty stadium. This in Kingston, the capital of one of the world’s greatest track and field nations.”

Despite the criticism, Michael Johnson remains undeterred, standing firm in his vision to reshape the sport by creating more opportunities for athletes to thrive beyond traditional championships.