Nine years ago, sprinting legend Michael Johnson made a statement that left no room for doubt. Speaking as a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, Johnson declared, “Neither Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, or myself has produced, in my opinion, the consistency and longevity that Usain Bolt has, and so to this point he has to be considered the greatest.” At the time, Bolt was gearing up for the Rio Olympics, chasing yet another round of gold medals. Johnson, on the other hand, was fulfilling his role as part of the Laureus voting panel, tasked with selecting the winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award. Though he couldn’t reveal his vote, his praise for Bolt made it clear where his admiration lay. Fast-forward to today, and it seems Johnson still has Bolt on his mind. This time, however, he’s doing something far more daring!

He’s trying to lure the sprinting icon back onto the track! Yes, you read that right! The inaugural edition of Grand Slam Track (GST) is just days away. Johnson’s ambitious project will storm onto the scene in none other than Kingston, Jamaica—the track capital of speed and home to Bolt himself. With a jaw-dropping $100,000 top prize, the event is set to shake up the track and field world. From April 4 to 6, fans will witness a fresh, high-stakes twist on sprinting, blending tradition with innovation. But, GST’s prize money isn’t the only thing turning heads. On March 27, the event’s official X handle dropped a bombshell, reposting a video that sent fans into a frenzy.

“Want to run a 100m next Friday in your home stadium?” That was the caption, directly tagging Usain Bolt’s X-handle, making the message impossible to miss. The reposted video? None other than a clip of Bolt grinding it out in the gym—lifting, sweating, and looking in top form. However, the not-so-subtle challenge sparked instant speculation. Was Johnson teasing a Bolt comeback? Would the world’s fastest man return to the track—this time not for Olympic glory but for the thrill of competition and a massive payday?

We don’t have any update on the confirmation, though. But the eight-time Olympic champion seems hopeful to watch Grand Slam Track fulfill the promises it has made to the fans. Regarding this, Usain shared a few words on Justin Gatlin’s podcast, Ready Set Go. In the podcast, Bolt said, “I think Michael Johnson is doing his new thing, which I hope works because it’s better for the athletes. More money [is] always good because track and field is always way down on the totem pole when it comes to making money, so I think if this works, it could be a big deal.” Such words may pose motivation for Johnson and his entire crew, who are in the mix to make the event a successful affair. Also, the man of the hour should be given his flowers as well. 

Throughout the time, Johnson had to face mixed reactions because he chose the venues for the Grand Slam Track. First, the decision was to include two international venues in the league. But because of unavoidable reasons, the authority had to settle for one only, and nonetheless, that is Jamaica. But what was Johnson’s reason to settle for the Caribbean destination? 

Michael Johnson’s choice of Grand Slam Track venue has reasons 

On November 11 last year, Michael Johnson dropped a bombshell announcement: the inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) competition will be held in Kingston, Jamaica, in April 2025. The decision sent shockwaves through the track and field community—not just because of the event itself, but because of where Johnson chose to launch it. In his own words, “Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport. The talent and the love for the sport here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building.” But there’s more to this decision than just paying homage to a sprinting powerhouse—it’s a move that’s sparking controversy, especially among American track fans.

Let’s be real—if you want to talk about track and field royalty, Jamaica’s name is written in gold. From Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to Yohan Blake and Elaine Thompson-Herah, the island has produced some of the fastest humans ever to set foot on a track. But Johnson’s decision to launch GST outside his home country is more than just a tribute to Jamaica’s sprinting legacy—it’s a strategic play. He’s betting on authenticity. Jamaica lives and breathes track and field. The crowd energy, the passion, and the raw talent are guaranteed to deliver a show that feels genuine—something even the most high-profile American meet might struggle to replicate. Furthermore, one thing is clear: Grand Slam Track is already making waves. By choosing Jamaica as a venue and sending Bolt an invitation, Johnson is sending a message—he’s not playing it safe. Instead, he’s sparking fresh excitement (and perhaps a bit of controversy) before the starting gun even goes off.