Grand Slam Track Struggles to Pay Athletes, 2026 Edition in Doubt
Grand Slam Track’s founder Michael Johnson warns the 2026 event won’t proceed until prize money for this season is settled, highlighting financial challenges.
Prize Payments Delayed Amid Funding Shortfall
Grand Slam Track may not return in 2026 unless this year’s prize money is paid, founder Michael Johnson warns.
Johnson said the series missed payment deadlines after promised funding failed to materialize, but stressed he remains confident in its long-term future.
Financial Hurdles
Despite a strong inaugural season featuring top athletes like Daryll Neita, Matthew Hudson-Smith and Josh Kerr, Grand Slam Track canceled its final event in June. Johnson admitted the competition \"struggled\" to secure the funds needed to honor its prize commitments.
Commitment to Athletes
With up to $100,000 on offer for event winners and guaranteed salaries for contracted athletes, the series set high expectations. \"We promised that athletes would be fairly and quickly compensated. Yet, here we are struggling with our ability to compensate them,\" Johnson said.
Plans for 2026
To prevent future issues, organizers are seeking new partnerships and improving financial controls. \"We are putting systems and partnerships in place to make sure it never happens again,\" Johnson added, calling the situation one of his toughest career challenges.
The future of Grand Slam Track hinges on resolving this year’s payment delays, with the 2026 season on hold until athletes receive their due prizes.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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