Financial instability threatens Grand Slam Track

• Grand Slam Track cancels competitions in 2026 without paying the athletes.
• Michael Johnson stated about financial difficulties with payouts.
• The competition attracted famous athletes, promising significant prizes.

Grand Slam Track will not take place in 2026, as the athletes who competed in 2025 will not receive their prize money, stated spokesperson Michael Johnson.

Johnson reported that they could not meet the payout deadlines due to unfulfilled financing, which had been promised. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful about the long-term viability of the competition.

“We promised that the athletes would receive fair and prompt compensation. But, unfortunately, we are facing difficulties in this matter,” Johnson noted in his statement.

The last event of the first season of Grand Slam Track was canceled in June due to economic problems.

Four-time Olympic champion stated that they are working on systems and partnerships to avoid similar difficulties in the future. He described the situation as one of the most challenging, with which they struggled to cope.

The competition attracted many prominent athletes, including British sprinters Daryl Nita and Matthew Hudson-Smith, as well as world champion in the 1500m, Joshua Kerr. Athletes could earn up to $100,000 (around £73,600) for winning in separate categories, as well as salaries for contracted athletes.

Related Topics

• Athletics

Tags: Sport