“We Won’t Compete”: Michael Johnson’s Million Dollar Grand Slam Rejected by Femke Bol’s Coach

With the launch of Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Track league touted for next year, the track and field community is aflutter. With its substantial prize money and distinctive competitive style, this cutting-edge series hopes to draw elite athletes and hopefully mellow down the financial inequalities in the track world. Not everyone, though, is completely onboard with this venture and, for objective, pragmatic and good reason. One of the sport’s budding icons, Femke Bol, may not attend this prominent event based on doubts expressed by her coach, Laurent Meuwly.

With the Grand Slam Track League, Michael Johnson’s venture is worth a whopping 12$mil prize pool. The world’s top sprinters and distance runners (96 in total but 48 contracted athletes) will gather at four big meets that the league intends to hold in 2025. Meuwly’s gift of the gab came in clutch as he highlighted th logistical constraints and even suggested recalculations. He voiced concerns regarding the rigorous schedule and planning of the league, implying that it might not mesh with Bol’s aspirations for competition.

Femke Bol’s coach, Meuwly, expressed his worries on X. He underlined the difficulty of racing in three different venues over three days in the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles. The practical and logistical requirements of the suggested schedule are highlighted in this tweet.

Moreover, Femke Bol would have to put in a lot of effort to compete in closely scheduled races despite being a great 400m runner. Meuwly decided to put her fitness and performance above any financial benefits given the demanding travel and competition schedule, which could affect her health.

Famous individuals have already joined Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League, notably Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the world record holder and Olympic 400-meter hurdles winner. Curiosity is heightened by widespread speculation that Femke Bol, McLaughlin-Levrone’s main opponent, may join the league. However, Meuwly’s remark raises an eyebrow that Femke Bol is not a Grand Slam Track League athlete under the agreement.

Field events reality in Grand Slam Track

Field events are not included in the Grand Slam Track League, which is one of its most contentious features. Both athletes and fans have expressed concern over this decision, claiming that it will reduce the league’s popularity and inclusivity. However, everyone is on the lookout for more rewards instead of focusing on features. The Grand Slam Track League seeks to draw elite athletes with high-dollar incentives. The league provides a $12.6 million total prize pool, with a $100,000 top dollar prize. Compared to the Diamond League, where the victor of the first place earns $10,000 and the winner of the final series receives $30,000, this is a substantial gain monetary wise.

On X, AthleticsWeekly shared a quote from Carl Lewis, “The reality right now is you follow where the money is. The field events are difficult to host, they take up time and it complicates things. The bottom line is these track events are clean and field events are more complicated. You want to keep it as simple as possible.” The track and field community has not taken this exclusion lightly. Field events are seen by many as essential components of athletics, and their absence lessens the league’s charm. Supporters believe that field events increase excitement and diversity. Now it remains to be seen if 2025 will indeed be a year for reckoning for Michael Johnson? What is your stance on the same? Let us know in the comments below.