'It's time we focus on entertaining fans again' - Grand Slam Track boss Michael Johnson highlights League's vision in Racers Summit

Photo Credit - @GrandSlamTrack via X

'It's time we focus on entertaining fans again' - Grand Slam Track boss Michael Johnson highlights League's vision in Racers Summit

Funmilayo Fameso 04:24 - 27.10.2024

Michael Johnson hosted 25 GST stars to the Racers Summit in preparation for the inaugural Grand Slam Track League next season.

Grand Slam Track (GST) boss Michael Johnson's vision for his inaugural first-of-its-kind League set to begin in the 2025 season, has got both athletes and fans excited about what is to come.

In the welcome dinner of the Racers Summit organised for 25 of the participating GST sprinters, Johnson revealed his plans for a game-changing 2025 season, which will be centered on entertaining fans and treating the athletes as top professionals.

Top track stars at the welcome dinner of the Racers Summit

"The vision that I have for this is that track will become just as important as other professional sports. We have suffered as a sport for many many years despite the fact that we have some of the greatest athletes in the world," said Johnson in his opening speech.

Some of the top sprinters present at the dinner were women's 400mH world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Olympic 100mH champion Masai Russell, and Diamond League 200m champion Kenny Bednarek.

Johnson continued by saying that athletes who compete at the GST League will be treated and respected as top professionals just like in other sports.

"Track is professional, I hope you saw that today. The intention is that we are professional, you guys are professional and should be treated as professionals."

Meanwhile, 30 of the intended 48 GST Racers have officially signed, while US sprint champions Sha'Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles are still missing on the list with no official confirmation if they'll be part of the league.

Michael Johnson is the founder of the Grand Slam Track League

The Grand Slam Track (GST) spearheaded by four-time Olympic gold medalist and eight-time world champion Johnson, will debut from April - September 2025, kicking off with four meets, also known as 'Slams' with $12.6 million available in prize money.

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