🏃♂️ Shockwaves in the world of sports! Legendary sprinter Michael Johnson won’t be joining the BBC’s punditry team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. 🎙️
Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, is in the spotlight as financial issues hit his Grand Slam Track league. 😮 With athletes still waiting for their prize money, the American sprint icon is facing a tough time. His league’s debut in Jamaica didn’t draw the expected crowd, leading to reduced income. 📉
Planned as a revolutionary competition offering athletes approximately £74,000 for victories, the league is struggling to meet its promises. 🎖️ Athletes were also initially assured of additional appearance fees, but those remain unpaid as well.
Gabby Thomas, US 200m champ, and others have publicly expressed their frustration over the delays. Meanwhile, World Athletics president Lord Coe is monitoring the situation closely. 🤔
The league had to cancel its last scheduled event in Los Angeles, marking a disappointing period for Johnson, who calls it “one of the most difficult challenges” he’s faced. 💬 He’s promised no events for 2026 until all debts are cleared.
What do you think about this development? 🤷♂️ Will we see Johnson back in the studio anytime soon? Drop your thoughts below! 💭