Grand Slam Track athletes dispute Michael Johnson’s payment claims

Athletes who were promised significant payments for participating in Grand Slam Track events state they have yet to receive their money, despite founder Michael Johnson previously asserting that payments had been made. According to BBC Sport, athlete representatives and sports management firms have confirmed that no payments have been received and they have received no information regarding when they might be paid. Representatives for Johnson have acknowledged that the funds have not reached the athletes, though they maintain that Johnson did not intend to mislead anyone. Johnson, a four-time Olympic champion, launched Grand Slam Track in 2025 with the promise of substantial prize money and appearance fees. The series was intended to feature four major events, but the final meeting in Los Angeles was cancelled, and organisers filed for voluntary bankruptcy in the United States in December. In an interview with The Telegraph, 58-year-old Johnson stated that as the series' financial difficulties escalated, he used his personal credit card to cover travel and hotel costs for athletes. He also denied allegations that he secretly received $500,000 (£375,000) days before the season collapsed; a Grand Slam Track representative previously dismissed this claim as baseless and inaccurate. Johnson explained that the company's credit limit had been reached, necessitating the use of his personal card for travel expenses, which he claimed were later reimbursed. However, Johnson's assertion that debts had been settled appears premature. It is estimated that approximately $11 million (£8.1 million) is owed to creditors, including athletes. This sum is reportedly held by a third party. BBC Sport has contacted the American firm believed to be holding the funds but has received no response, and it remains unclear when payments will be processed. Among the athletes owed more than £100,000 are British world 1500m champion Josh Kerr and Olympic 400m silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith. Johnson had worked as a pundit for the BBC since 2001 but has not appeared for the broadcaster since the 2024 Olympics, as he focused on the Grand Slam Track project.