For years, track and field has struggled with visibility outside the Olympics. Even world champions like Noah Lyles have voiced frustrations over the sport’s lack of major broadcasting deals. Now, Michael Johnson has changed everything with his efforts and groundbreaking media strategy. As GST got what it deserves, Johnson has made a bold statement for Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson. His message?

Johnson recently appeared on Radio Row in New Orleans with ‘TalkSPORT.’ He shared all the details about his new venture, Grand Slam Track, and also made the bold claim that GST doesn’t need anyone else. He stated, “We don’t need anyone else. We will take all of the fastest people, but we don’t have to have them. Ultimately, we will get everyone. This is year one; this is where you want to be if you’re a premier track and field athlete.”

Track legend made this statement ahead of his point that they have 48 challengers and if athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson want, they can. Michael Johnson further added, “One of the things that Noah was rightly complaining about is the fact that outside the Olympics, it’s hard for people to find this product, this sport, because it’s not on network TV.” It seems Noah Lyles’s thoughts are shared by the bigger athletics community as well, since without viewership, it’s pretty hard to get participation.

Initially, when talks started about the GST and its sponsorships, there was no broadcasting collaboration. Hence, Noah made a statement that the lack of a major broadcasting deal is what is keeping him away from GST. Reason for Richardson? As per the reports, Sha’Carri Richardson was not happy with the money offered to her, recognizing it as somewhat unacceptable.

Now, the tables have turned, and GST has a network. The former sprinter said, “Not only are we on free-to-air network TV on CW, we are simultaneously streaming on Peacock. There may not be any sport in existence right now that is more accessible than Grand Slam Track.”

That’s really a huge achievement for Michael Johnson, as a few months ago, GST had a dearth of sponsors or broadcasting channels for that matter. GST will kick off in April and will be held at four different locations: Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Has the new era begun with GST?

A new era for track & field

Track and field is on the brink of a revolution, and GST is leading the charge with its powerful motto: A new era for track, Johnson once said, “Grand Slam Track is the track; that is what we’re doing. I am going to save what I think I can save; I think I can save track, but I don’t think I can save track and field.”

This ambitious event promises to shake up the sport with fresh energy, featuring top-tier athletes ready to redefine competition. This would be the first time such an event will happen, and that too, on such a grand level, just like its name. From seasoned Olympians to rising stars, GST has signed 48 athletes who will rise to the new track and field journey.

For Michael Johnson, this isn’t just another event; it’s the realization of a dream. Who first signed the GST? Two-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was the first athlete to sign up for GST. Other athletes? Kenny Bednarek, Olympic champion Marileidy Paulina, Masai Russell, Quincy Hall, Josh Kerr, and others.

Things would have been different if Sha’Carri Richardson or Noah Lyles were there. Nonetheless, athletes who have signed up will take it to the next level. The four-time Olympic gold medalist is proving that passion and innovation can outrun deep pockets. Despite no big sponsors on board and no initial sponsorship for broadcasting, GST has come so far.

Now, Johnson has changed the game and has the biggest networking partner. But the question still arises: Will it be the game-changing track and field has been waiting for? The stage is set, and the race to a new era begins now.