The Grand Slam Track (GST), led by the legendary track and field athlete Michael Johnson, brought much excitement to the competition’s opening of the global athletic calendar. As a key enabler of track and field success, GST had to cope with significant financial challenges, ultimately announcing 48 athletes for the 2025 season.

While the event has finally confirmed its roster, track and field fans have given different reactions to the list of athletes. Athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Masai Russell, and many others are on the list released by Grand Slam Track. Now, the final five athletes who have signed are also announced on their official X handle, with the caption, “THE FINAL FIVE! 🤩. The 2025 season is set with all 48 official Grand Slam Track Racers!” Zharnel Hughes, Brittany Brown, Caleb Dean, Diribe Welteji, and Freddie Crittenden are the last but not least who have signed up for the GST event.

Michael Johnson has a motto to save track and field through this event; he 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.” Though he has tried his bit to make this GST a grand event, he had to deal with the financial issues, like UK athletics being denied a part of the event, and Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium and the London Stadium were no longer choices of the host cities. With all the difficulties, including no sponsorship on board, it was tough with high prize money.

The GST event is scheduled for 2025 from April to June; the event is pre-decided with its host cities—Miami, Kingston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. One destination is also a problem here for the event; the final destination, i.e., Los Angeles (June 27-29), is clashing with one of the biggest pro-track meets in the US—the NYC Grand Prix (June 29), which can create logistical and scheduling conflicts for athletes and fans. While GST’s prominence might draw a great crowd, the clash can decrease the overall impact and viewership of both events.

Johnson emphasized the importance of GST in his statement, saying, “This is about creating a unified stage where talent thrives and the sport gets its much-deserved recognition.” And this shows how eager he is to host the event. However, the athletes list is now final, but it looks like track and field fans are not very happy with the list.

“Won’t be watching”: Fans are disappointed with the list of athletes

Although people were very happy with the arrival of the GST, the fans’ responses showed disappointment. The fans have displayed a wide range of reactions, from the absence of some big names to the issues of being accessible and elitism. The exclusion of marquee names like Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has left a void in the eyes of fans. As one user commented, “No Noah, Sha’Carri, Shelly, Shericka, Talou, Christian, Dina, or Kishane SMH.” 

A comment sarcastically reads, “Will it be televised? Larry and Noah Lyles want to know,” reflects the desire for GST to reach a wider audience. Lyles has said that the lack of a major broadcasting deal is what is keeping him away from GST. Without adequate coverage, GST risks alienating its core fanbase. There is no clear picture about the broadcasting yet; it is supposed to be telecast on TV, and Johnson is in talks with potential broadcast partners. “We will certainly embrace all forms of media—traditional and new,” Johnson said.

Moreover, fans are curious about GST’s coexistence with the globally acclaimed event. One fan pointedly asked, “Are they still going to be able to participate in this as well as the Diamond League circuit?” Indeed, it will create confusion among fans as to which event they should go for. One fandom even said, “Disappointed by good anyway,” expressing a feeling that those who are on the list are good, but there could be more to it.

Some have criticized the event’s structure, calling it elitist. One fan remarked, “Won’t be watching that elitist trash meet 🗑️🚮.” The adherents powerfully sum up the urgent countdown for local inclusion and community intervention in mega sporting events. It is yet to be seen how the debut of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track will turn out. Though the motive is good, such big events require a lot of things, and Johnson is dealing with all the issues beautifully to make this event a success.