Some of the world’s leading track and field stars “are still waiting on millions of pounds in payments they have been promised” for participating in Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Track series. Senior figures in the sport have said that “athletes, Olympic and world champions among them, and their agents are still chasing money owed to them from the first meet in Kingston, Jamaica, at the start of April,” with “some now expressing their concerns directly to World Athletics.” For the “leading stars, appearance-fee contracts were worth as much as $200,000, with prize money of up to $100,000 available for each round of competition” -- but the final event of the season in L.A. had to be cancelled. Many athletes and their representatives “are yet to receive payments owed to them from Kingston and the following events,” held in Miami and Philadelphia. One source said Johnson “was unable to provide specific dates for when accounts would be settled,” adding that they were “still hoping to secure new sponsors with a view to returning in 2026 with more events” (London TIMES, 7/1).
Athletes still awaiting Grand Slam Track payouts
