When four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson launched Grand Slam Track, he envisioned a fresh, dynamic platform to revolutionize the world of track and field. Now, just two editions into the league’s existence, the American sprint legend is already seeing that vision begin to take shape—and he credits the involvement of some of the sport’s biggest stars for much of its early momentum.
The most recent edition of Grand Slam Track in Miami saw a powerful lineup of elite athletes, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Fred Kerley, and Kenny Bednarek. Their presence wasn’t just about star power—it was a strategic move that Johnson believes is critical to the league’s growth and its ability to shine a spotlight on lesser-known athletes.
Speaking after the Miami event, Johnson emphasized how the participation of top-tier track stars adds both credibility and excitement to the Grand Slam Track series. “When you have athletes like Gabby Thomas on the track, fans pay attention,” he said. “That kind of attention creates an entry point for people to not only watch the stars they know but also to discover new talent they’ve never seen before.”
For Johnson, this dual impact—engaging fans with marquee names while giving emerging athletes a bigger stage—is exactly what Grand Slam Track was designed to achieve. In many ways, it reflects his broader commitment to reimagining how track and field is presented and consumed. Traditional meets, while often showcasing impressive performances, don’t always succeed in capturing the attention of mainstream sports fans. Johnson’s league aims to change that by creating a more engaging, entertainment-focused format that feels more like a season-long narrative rather than one-off races.
The involvement of athletes like Thomas and McLaughlin-Levrone brings legitimacy and media buzz to the league, but Johnson is quick to point out that it’s the entire ecosystem that benefits. Lesser-known athletes, who often struggle for visibility and sponsorship, now find themselves competing alongside Olympic and World Championship medalists. That exposure is invaluable. It helps them grow their personal brands, attract endorsements, and most importantly, inspire the next generation of athletes and fans.
“People tune in to watch Sydney or Fred,” Johnson explained, “but they stay because they’re witnessing incredible performances across the board. That’s the kind of experience we want to create—where every athlete, regardless of their name recognition, has a moment to shine.”
In doing so, Grand Slam Track is not only entertaining audiences but also building a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sport. With continued support from top athletes and a growing fanbase, Johnson believes the league is on a trajectory to reshape how track and field is viewed around the world.
“Track deserves this,” Johnson said. “The athletes deserve this. And the fans deserve a league that celebrates the full depth of talent the sport has to offer.”
As Grand Slam Track continues to evolve, Johnson’s vision is becoming increasingly clear: a vibrant, athlete-driven league where stars and rising talent alike thrive—and where the sport of track and field finally gets the spotlight it deserves.