Many people would naturally choose $100,000 over $30,000, but for track and field athletes, even $30,000 is a substantial amount due to the sport’s historical lack of lucrative opportunities. Track and field athletes have rarely had the luxury of selecting from significant prize money. However, the sport is evolving, and athletes now see more financial opportunities, especially following Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s recent decisions and the creation of new initiatives like Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league.
Launched in April 2025, the Grand Slam Track league, envisioned by Michael Johnson, aims to elevate the sport by offering better opportunities and more financial rewards for athletes. Recently, Olympic medalists Kenny Bednarek (200m silver) and Fred Kerley (100m bronze) officially joined as Racers for the league’s inaugural season in 2025, generating excitement within the sport. Fred Kerley first gained attention during the 2017 NCAA Championships, where he won multiple titles in the 400m and 4x400m relay. He later earned a bronze in the 100m at the Paris Olympics, behind Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson. Kerley expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge with the Grand Slam Track, saying that the format will be something fans enjoy.
Kenny Bednarek, another Olympian, also expressed excitement about joining the league. Bednarek, who won two silver medals in the Olympics and came second in the 200m at the 2022 World Championships, emphasized that the league would be exciting for both the athletes and spectators. His record time of 19.59 seconds at the US Olympic Trials in 2024 and his silver medal performance in the Paris Olympics showcase his talent.
The Grand Slam Track league will consist of four major events in cities around the world. Racers will compete in two contests at each event, focusing on the 100m and 200m sprints. Team USA members such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Cole Hocker, and Yared Nuguse, along with Britain’s Josh Kerr, will also be part of the league. McLaughlin-Levrone, who was one of the first to join the league, expressed her excitement about the league’s potential and emphasized that this is what track and field needs to grow.
The primary goal of the Grand Slam Track is to boost the sport’s popularity and attract more financial rewards for athletes. The league contrasts with the Diamond League, which has limited participation for certain athletes like McLaughlin-Levrone. For example, although she holds the world record in the 400m hurdles and won Olympic gold, McLaughlin-Levrone won’t participate in the upcoming Diamond League final due to not meeting its qualification requirements.
The Diamond League offers a prize of $30,000 for each season finale champion, along with the coveted ‘Diamond Trophy’ and a wild card entry into the World Athletics Championships. However, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track aims to shake things up by offering $100,000 for the winner of each slam, with the top eight finishers receiving prize money as well, marking a significant step in creating more lucrative opportunities for track and field athletes.
In addition to Bednarek and Kerley, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s involvement further highlights the league’s appeal. Despite being excluded from Diamond League finals, McLaughlin-Levrone will compete in the 200m and 400m at the Brussels Diamond League on September 13-14.
This shift in the sport’s landscape is garnering attention and promises to open new doors for athletes.
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