Besides the 2024 Olympics, Netflix’s Sprint Part 2 and a handful of initiatives have drummed up a lot of interest in track and field. However, thanks to the buzz, an enduring issue about the sport’s professional scene has also come into focus. With global attention, many have discovered the complications of low pay in the pro circuit. Now, the fifth-fastest man in history has also spoken out.

Team USA legend and arguably Usain Bolt’s biggest rival, Justin Gatlin, discussed the issue with Andrew Brereton. Gatlin and co-host Rodney Greene sat with Brereton to discuss the harsh reality of athlete pay. “As an athlete, when you’re looking, and you’re at a high level, always keep yourself grounded,” stated the 42-year-old veteran sprinter.

Justin Gatlin had some crucial advice for the long-term

It’s no secret that track and field athletes earn the most money from sponsors. While icons such as Noah Lyles have negotiated multi-million dollar contracts, the average athlete doesn’t get nearly enough. Sometimes even those who earn a ticket to the Olympics, such as Trevor Bassett, struggle to get any sponsors at all.

So Gatlin puts managing funds as the highest priority!

“Because when you retire, especially in track, it’s all going to be over and whatever you have in your pocket is that’s what you have left. You know what I mean? Track and field ain’t going to pay you money every year, just because you ran track and field,” the five-time Olympic medalist said on Ready Set Go. Gatlin also explained how “people on the outside looking in,” don’t see it.

Many fans or young aspiring pros often gravitate toward “the chains and the cars and the flashiness” of an athlete during their prime. “Hey! You riding high right now. It’s a beautiful thing. But let’s figure out what you’re going to look like at 47… 57… 60 years old,” said Gatlin. Thankfully, change is brewing in the sport as new leagues promise to revolutionize athlete pay.

How athlete pay became the central issue in track and field

One of the USA’s most successful track and field Olympians, Michael Johnson, is acutely aware of the low pay in the sport. So the icon has decided to do something about it himself. Seeing the premier contests such as the Diamond League offering $30,000 for individual events, MJ is on a mission to change the situation. That’s where Johnson’s Grand Slam Track comes in.

Raising $30 million in investments, the track and field icon’s upcoming leagues promise a total prize pool of $12.5 million to participating athletes. While Grand Slam Track has run into its fair share of challenges, such as securing broadcast sponsors, the league seems to be on track. Meanwhile, even the so-called outsiders investing in the sport have raised the pay issue.

Serena Williams’ husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has already held the first edition of his revolutionary event. Ohanian made Athlos NYC the highest-paid event in women’s track and field history. Besides playing nearly double of the Diamond League, Athlos NYC even added a percentage of ticket sales in addition to the $60,000/per race prize money.

Gatlin’s co-host, Rodney Green, even called out Diamond League after the September 26 event. “Diamond League, take note—it was amazing, man! This is what we want to see!” said the veteran sprinter. However, Justin Gatlin’s words will remain relevant until events like GST and Athlos become the norm.