Olympic Legend Michael Johnson’s $30 Million-Backed ‘Unnamed’ Track League Secures Support From Decorated American Athlete

The track and field world is buzzing with excitement in 2024 as the Paris Olympics draw closer. With World Athletics offering gold medal-winning athletes $50,000 each and millions being invested in the sport, the track world is on a path of change. To add to this buzz, a significant announcement came from track and field veteran Michael Johnson, who has raised over $30 million to launch a new track league set to debut in 2025.

The league, promises to provide a unique TV-friendly show, showcasing the sport’s biggest stars and attracting new audiences through a unique format beyond the Olympics. The Winners Alliance, the commercial arm of the Professional Tennis Players Association, has also stepped in as the lead investor and will also serve as the league’s operating partner.

American runner joins Michael Johnson’s over $30 million track league

Now fans wait for more updates from Michael Johnson, who on April 23, 2024, announced, “Working to change the game for athletes and fans! League details coming this June.” MJ has also managed to secure support from a decorated American athlete. In another post on X, former American mid-distance runner Kyle Merber, known for his specialization in the mile and the 1500 meters, announced his decision to join Michael Johnson’s groundbreaking track league.

Merber, who previously wrote for The Lap Count, shared the exciting news with fans on X, saying, “I am excited to share that I will be the Director of Athletes and Racing working alongside @MJGold to help revolutionize track and bring it into the mainstream of sports.” Jonathan Gault, a Staff writer for LetsRun.com, praised Merber’s appointment, stating, “Kyle is smart, passionate, and a great hire for Michael Johnson’s (still unnamed) track league. Exciting to see his ideas for the sport moving forward.”

In response to this news, even four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson shared on X, saying, ” Excited to welcome @TheRealMerb to the team! Great things ahead for this sport!” As we reflect on this news, let’s delve deeper into Kyle Merber’s decision to leave The Lap Count and join Michael Johnson’s ambitious project.

Kyle Merber’s heartfelt farewell to his ‘The Lap Count’ journey

In his final newsletter for The Lap Count, Kyle Merber bid an emotional farewell, describing his journey as “165 laps — or 41 miles — worth of Wednesday morning newsletters”. He started the newsletter after retiring from professional running, aiming to simplify the complexities of track and field and make it more accessible to fans.

Merber expressed his pride in the project, thanking his wife, Patricia, for her steadfast support and his editor, Paul, for his invaluable contributions. He also extended his gratitude to CITIUS MAG contributors, athletes, and sponsors for their support in making the newsletter economically viable. Merber assured readers that The Lap Count would continue under new management and teased some exciting plans for the newsletter.

He concluded by announcing his new role as Director of Athletes and Racing, working with Michael Johnson to revolutionize track. He stated,  “But know that even if my role has shifted, the goal has not changed: I want it to be fun as hell to be a fan, and I want more people to get in on the action.” As he sets off on his new journey, fans eagerly await to see the collaboration between Kyle Merber and Michael Johnson. What are your thoughts? Comment below!