Which prize would you choose: $100,000 or $30,000? Most people would choose the $100,000, right? But for track and field athletes, even $30,000 is a substantial sum. Why? Because the sport has historically lacked lucrative opportunities. Track and field athletes have rarely had the luxury of choosing between large prize money options.

However, things are changing especially after Sydney McLaughlin’s choice! Track and field is evolving, and much of that progress can be attributed to initiatives like Michael Johnson’s new track league. His efforts are helping to elevate the sport by creating more opportunities and financial rewards for athletes. In April, Johnson announced the launch of the Grand Slam Track, a league set to begin in 2025.

What’s really creating a buzz lately is the announcement that Olympic 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek and 100m bronze medalist Fred Kerley have officially signed on as Grand Slam Track Racers for the league’s inaugural season in 2025. This is a significant step forward for the sport!

Fred Kerley first gained attention at the 2017 NCAA Championships, where he dominated both indoors and outdoors, winning national titles in the 400m and 4x400m at both meets. At the most recent Paris Olympic Games, Kerley added a bronze medal to his collection in the 100m, with Noah Lyles claiming gold and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson securing silver.

Now, he’s taking on a new challenge as part of the Grand Slam Track, a league debuting in 2025. “When I first heard about Grand Slam Track, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I love competing and think the fans will really enjoy this new Track format,” Kerley shared. His fellow Olympian Kenny Bednarek is just as enthusiastic, saying, “I love the head-to-head concept, the emphasis on storytelling, and showcasing personalities. It’s a great opportunity for athletes to feature their talent.”

Kenny Bednarek has achieved notable success, securing two silver medals at the Olympics and finishing second in the 200 meters at the 2022 World Championships. He showcased his talent by clocking a record time of 19.59 seconds at the US Olympic Trials held in Eugene in 2024. Bednarek then continued to shine at the Paris Olympics, where he outperformed Noah Lyles to clinch yet another silver medal.

Bednarek is enthusiastic, about challenging himself and enhancing his skills to entertain fans by saying ““It’s going to be exciting for everyone watching and participating.” He and Fred Kerley are now the sixth athletes to join as Racers with the Grand Slam Track team. Who could the other athletes be?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s new ballgame that’s shaking things up

Grand Slam Track is set to organize four Slams in cities around the world, where athletes, known as “Racers,” will participate in two contests at each event, showcasing their sprint prowess in the 100-meter and 200-meter races. Joining them will be Team USA members such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Cole Hocker, and Yared Nuguse, along with Great Britain’s Josh Kerr.

Back in June, one of the first athletes Sydney to join Grand Slam Track expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m honored to be one of the first racers in Grand Slam Track. Michael’s vision is clear, and he’s exactly the leader this sport needs to break new ground. I’m thrilled to be part of this league and look forward to everything we have in store for the future. I truly believe this is the step track and field needs to reach the next level, and I can’t wait to get to work with the team.”

The primary objective of this league is to boost the sport’s popularity and attract prize money while providing enhanced broadcasting platforms to effectively showcase athletes’ skills. In contrast, Diamond League policies have previously barred athletes like Sydney McLaughlin from participating. However, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is scheduled to compete in both the 200-meter and 400-meter events at the Brussels Diamond League on September 13th and 14th, as announced by event organizers today.

Though she holds the world record in the 400-meter hurdles and has an Olympic gold medal to her name, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will not be participating in the Diamond League final due to not meeting the qualification criteria, as clarified by Diamond League officials. She was not allowed entry as a “Global Wild Card” because she did not compete in any of the Diamond League events this season.

While Global Wild Card athletes can compete and win titles, as Jakob Ingebrigtsen did in last year’s 3000m, they are not eligible for the full prize money if they haven’t participated in any Diamond League meets earlier in the season. Each Diamond League season finale champion receives the coveted ‘Diamond Trophy,’ $30,000 in prize money, and a wild card entry to the World Athletics Championships, with the runner-up earning $12,000. The Diamond League finale is set to be a major event in Brussels, Belgium, from September 13-14.

In contrast, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track is shaking things up by offering even bigger payouts. The winner of each slam group will take home $100,000, with the top eight finishers earning prize money as well. With this significant financial boost, Johnson’s league is making a major impact on the sport.