The former track and field legend has a motto to revive the track and field as a sport even beyond the track season. But with one positive motive, you tend to face critics as well. The same happened when the highly anticipated Grand Slam Track event was announced. Despite the whopping amount of prize money, some legends like Noah Lyles refused to participate. Why, you may ask?

The Olympic champion was not happy with the fact that Michael Johnson’s GST didn’t have any strong broadcasting channels in hand to premiere the event. Fair enough. As a big name in track and field, he wants more fame, and the prize is not enough. Fast forward to the present, GST will be aired on top broadcasting channels like Peacock. And now Johnson took a jab at Noah Lyles, of course without naming him.

As the GST is approaching, Michael Johnson posted on X, “I see track athletes complaining, wanting a bigger platform. Others are complaining, wanting more money.” Indeed, the most fascinating thing is money, right? Like, $100k is a big deal, right? But Noah Lyles often complains that there is no money in track and field like other sports do.

And now, he is not showing up on one of the highly paid track events. Track legend further wrote, “Prize money of 1st=$100K & 8th=$10K. Who’s not complaining? Our 48 Grand Slam Track Racers!” Athletes in the Grand Slam Track League have the opportunity to earn up to US$400,000.00 in a single season if they win all four of the Slams in their event category.

The event was announced in February 2024, and the details were announced at a press conference in Los Angeles hosted by John Anderson in June 2024. Noah Lyles once said, “We could have the greatest performances at the Grand Slam Track… but if a tree falls in the middle of the woods and nobody is there to see it, did it really fall?” Is he regretting it now? Only Noah would know that. But one thing is for sure, GST is all geared up to set an example of new innings in track and field.

Grand Slam Track is one of the highly anticipated events of 2025

There are high chances of facing setbacks when you start something for the first time. Michael Johnson’s GST is also not untouched by issues, including finances. Despite facing major financial issues, like withdrawals by UK athletes due to financial concerns and no sponsor on board, things were quite tough. No in-hand broadcasting platform initially, but Johnson has done it all to make it work. Now, they have a deal with the topmost platform. Peacock will stream all the action live and The CW will broadcast the races during the four events in 2025. Who all are participating in the first-of-its-kind track event?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone became the first athlete to sign the GST officially, and she will compete in the 400-meter hurdles. Grand Slam Track has signed 48 racers to compete against 48 challengers in various track events. There will be events from distances ranging from 100 meters to 5000. Other athletes include Josh Kerr (1500m), Cole Hocker (1500m), Yared Nuguse (1500m), Kenny Bednarek (sprints), Fred Kerley (sprints), and Melissa Jefferson (short sprints).

Track and field fans are eagerly waiting to see the success of Grand Slam Track. The event is packed for four locations—Kingston, Jamaica; Miami; Philadelphia; and Los Angeles. The league will have four slams starting from April to September 2025. Are you excited for GST? Because we surely are.