Track and field might be rich in talent, but when it comes to money? It’s been scraping the bottom of the barrel for years. Sure, the Olympics roll around and suddenly everyone’s paying attention—but behind the scenes, it’s a financial headache. Training’s wrapped, everything’s polished to perfection, and just when athletes like Kenny Bednarek, Noah Lyles, and more should be laser-focused, reality slaps them with bills. As Noah Lyles once said, “Being a track athlete living in the US… you are only cared about for four years and you’re in a dying sport.” Ouch—but he’s not wrong. But seems things are changing!
Right before the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, Kenny Bednarek got hit with a harsh reality—before he could even dream of the Paris Olympics, he had to qualify in Eugene, Oregon, and just getting there came with a price tag that made his wallet cry. “The cost to fly and accommodate my team at the trials and Olympics is pretty wild. Prices are jacked up,” he posted. And it didn’t stop there. Lyles chimed in with, “It’s hard for all of us man,” and Bednarek hit back with the truth: “It’s crazy because that’s when we need our entire support system the most.” It was like climbing a mountain with no ropes. But just when things looked bleak, in came Grand Slam Track.
Just when it felt like track and field was stuck in the same old loop—underfunded, overlooked, and running on fumes—Michael Johnson came sprinting in with a game-changer. His new league, Grand Slam Track, showed up like a breath of fresh air and flipped the script completely. We’re talking $12.6 million in prize money, $100K for winners, solid pay for showing up, and—finally—real support for the athletes who’ve been grinding in the shadows.
For the first time in any track league, I’ve officially got my internal team on the track with me, supporting and shooting. Feels incredible to have them here @GrandSlamTrack
— Kung Fu Kenny (@kenny_bednarek) April 3, 2025
Kenny Bednarek, who’s got two Olympic silver medals under his belt, pulled up to the league’s debut meet in Kingston, Jamaica—and he felt the difference right out of the gate. “For the first time in any track league, I’ve officially got my internal team on the track with me, supporting and shooting. Feels incredible to have them here,” he posted. That’s not just a win—it’s a shift. For athletes who’ve spent years pinching pennies and making it work with duct tape and determination, this is the kind of support they’ve been dreaming of.
The story is developing…..
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