Athletes Deny Johnson's Claim of Payment

Athletes participating in Grand Slam Track events have denied claims by founder Michael Johnson that they have been paid, despite Johnson's statement that he had 'got the athletes paid' after a 'catastrophic capital issue' caused by investors pulling out. The athletes are still waiting for their money, with several high-profile athletes owed payments of more than £100,000.

The issue began when Grand Slam Track (GST) was launched in 2025 with the promise of lucrative prize money and salaries. However, the final event in Los Angeles was cancelled and organisers voluntarily filed for bankruptcy in the US in December. Johnson used his own credit card to purchase athlete flights and hotel rooms due to GST's financial trouble.

Johnson was accused of 'secretly' paying himself $500,000 (£375,000) days before the season collapsed, a claim a GST representative said was 'unfounded and false'. Johnson denied the accusation, stating that he had used his credit card to cover expenses and was reimbursed.

The reported $11m (£8.1m) owed to creditors, including athletes, is being held by a third party. Several high-profile athletes, including Josh Kerr and Matthew Hudson-Smith, are owed payments of more than £100,000. A company acting on behalf of athletes said they had not received any payments, nor had they been contacted to be told when they were due.

## What happens next The athletes will continue to wait for their payments, with no clear indication of when they will receive their money. The bankruptcy of Grand Slam Track has left many athletes in a difficult financial situation, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.

## Why it matters The collapse of Grand Slam Track has significant implications for the athletes involved, many of whom were relying on the prize money and salaries to support their careers. The fact that Johnson claimed the athletes had been paid, despite this not being the case, has added to the frustration and uncertainty. The situation highlights the risks and challenges faced by athletes in professional sports, where financial stability can be precarious.