Michael Johnson, founder of Grand Slam Track, addressed the absence of several prominent athletes, including Noah Lyles, from his new league. The league recently completed its second event in Miami after launching earlier this year.
Despite offering substantial prize money, the startup track league has not secured commitment from all top competitors. Grand Slam Track events feature a packed roster, including many medalists from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
However, key names like 100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles, relay champion Sha'Carri Richardson, and 800m Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson have not yet signed on, choosing instead to focus on other events. Some athletes have cited scheduling conflicts as their reason for declining.
Johnson remains unfazed by the snubs. Speaking to The Athletic, he stated, "We want all of the fastest people to come in. But that’s on them."
Grand Slam Track events involve 48 athletes competing over three days for points and prize money. Event winners receive $100,000, with payouts extending to the top ten finishers. This prize structure aims to exceed the amounts typically available in the established Diamond League circuit.
Noah Lyles, discussing his decision on his Beyond The Records podcast in March, raised concerns beyond just the financial aspect. He questioned the league's external sponsorship and publicity efforts leading up to its debut.
Lyles pointed to a lack of visibility, noting, "I haven’t even heard a block's sponsor. I want to hear, is there a watch deal? I want to hear, you know, if there's a betting company, which is getting involved?" He expressed a desire to see non-track and field companies engaged, believing America offers strong marketing potential.
He also suggested the league felt rushed, which may have caused apprehension among athletes. Lyles proposed a slower approach, suggesting building a dedicated stadium in one US city to host multiple events annually.
Armand Duplantis, another prominent athlete, offered his perspective on the league. The world record holder in pole vault stated he was "quite indifferent" about Grand Slam Track, noting the first event in Kingston, Jamaica, seemed to have "dead time" between races, a space usually filled by field events.
Duplantis compared the new league to LIV Golf, suggesting that despite financial incentives, it would likely not surpass the prestige of traditional events like the Olympics or World Championships, stating, "It’s not just about money."
