Olympic legend Michael Johnson is facing turbulent times as financial woes hit his Grand Slam Track (GST) initiative hard. Established in 2024, this promising track and field league has sadly been forced to file for bankruptcy due to soaring debts. With liabilities estimated up to a whopping £37 million, the future of GST hangs in the balance.
Johnson, known for his incredible sprinting career and a net worth of around £11 million, invested heavily in the project. Despite lenders rejecting a settlement that aimed to recover part of the debts, the league’s debut season has been mired by economic hiccups and reports of athletes being underpaid.
In a heartfelt statement, the four-time Olympic gold medallist pledged to persevere, “I refuse to give up on the mission of Grand Slam Track and the future we are building together.” It’s clear Johnson is adamant about breathing new life into the world of athletics.
While GST’s financial troubles saw the Los Angeles event cancelled, Johnson’s ambition remains undeterred. He’s poured millions from his own fortune into this venture and isn’t backing down easily. Beyond his athletic prowess, Johnson has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, working with huge brands and clients worldwide.
Even though Johnson was recently axed from the BBC’s World Athletics Championships coverage, he’s set to make a comeback on British TV screens soon. As GST finds itself in choppy waters, the question remains: Can Michael Johnson overcome these trials and bring his vision for athletics to life once more? Stay tuned to find out. 🌟🏃♂️ #MichaelJohnson #Athletics #GrandSlamTrack