Track and field sensation Gabby Thomas has found herself at the center of a financial firestorm that is currently engulfing Grand Slam Track, the fledgling league founded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson. Despite lofty promises and big aspirations, the organization is now facing increasing scrutiny for failing to deliver on its financial commitments to athletes—most notably, a $12 million prize pool that appears to be more fiction than fact.
Thomas, a bronze medalist in the 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics and a widely respected figure in the sport, has publicly voiced her frustration. She is one of several high-profile athletes reportedly left unpaid by Grand Slam Track, and she is now calling for what she believes is her rightful share of the promised prize money. Her demand for accountability highlights what many in the track and field world are calling a “betrayal” by the very league that claimed it would revolutionize the sport.
The Grand Slam Track project was introduced with much fanfare by Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most recognizable figures in track and field history. His vision for the series was bold: to create a more exciting and concentrated alternative to the traditional Diamond League circuit. Grand Slam Track promised head-to-head matchups between elite athletes, bigger financial rewards, and a streamlined format that would be more engaging for fans and broadcasters alike.
At the heart of this vision was the promise of a lucrative $12.5 million prize pool—an incentive designed to attract top-tier talent and elevate the status of the competition. For athletes like Gabby Thomas, this was not just about competition—it was about being paid fairly for their talent, time, and global appeal. But as the season progressed, questions began to emerge regarding the legitimacy of these financial promises.
According to sources close to the athletes, payments have either been delayed indefinitely or not made at all. Despite this, Grand Slam Track continues to use athletes’ names, images, and likenesses in promotional material, even as many of them wait for compensation. Thomas, known not only for her blazing speed but also her candor, has now taken a stand, demanding transparency and justice.
The situation has drawn widespread criticism across the track and field community. Many believe that the league, while initially promising in concept, has turned into yet another cautionary tale of mismanaged ambition and broken promises. For athletes who already struggle to find consistent financial support in a sport that often operates on razor-thin margins, the collapse of trust in Grand Slam Track is both disheartening and enraging.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Michael Johnson and the leadership behind the series. Will they address the growing number of grievances from athletes like Gabby Thomas? Or will the Grand Slam Track experiment go down as an unfortunate misstep in the ongoing battle to elevate professional track and field?
For now, Gabby Thomas and her peers continue to train, compete, and inspire—while waiting for what they’re owed. And the track world waits with them, demanding answers.