Johnson plots track league's comeback after crisis

Michael Johnson’s troubled Grand Slam Track athletics circuit filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec 11, saying that the move was necessary to stabilise finances after a crisis-hit inaugural season.

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The US Olympic legend launched Grand Slam Track earlier in 2025 with the bold goal of transforming athletics, promising a concentrated format featuring more frequent head-to-head races between the world’s best athletes.

However, the circuit stalled amid financing issues, with Johnson forced to cancel the fourth and final leg in Los Angeles following meets in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia.

The 58-year-old said in August that the circuit would not take place in 2026 as planned until athletes waiting to receive prize money for competing in 2025 had been paid.

In a statement on Dec 11, Grand Slam Track said the circuit had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the state of Delaware to “position the league for sustainable long-term growth.”