Prize Debts Halt Circuit

Grand Slam Track founder vows 2026 season won't proceed till it pays athletes

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NEW YORK - The financially troubled Grand Slam Track circuit will not take place in 2026 until athletes awaiting prize money for 2025 are paid, its founder Michael Johnson said on Aug 15.

He admitted in a statement "we are struggling with our ability to compensate" athletes from the three meets that took place in 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica and in Miami and Philadelphia.

The four-time Olympic sprint gold medallist said he had taken the decision to cancel the fourth and final meeting in Los Angeles "to avoid further losses and start the lengthy process of stabilising the company to get back on track".

"But unfortunately, we saw circumstances change in ways beyond our control," he said.

The 57-year-old added: "The 2026 season will not happen until those obligations are met — and that is my No. 1 priority."

Johnson said he had held talks with new investors, and he remained "confident" about the future of Grand Slam.

"We're not done yet. Not even close," he said.