If you are an athlete, then chances are that the good things in life are far and few between. This also seems to be true for Olympic legend Michael Johnson. Why do you ask? Well, the feeling of winning the highest prize in competitive sports surely cannot be reflected. But, well, life is full of glorious uncertainties. And thus, after exactly 29 years, Johnson is going through the same emotional turmoil he faced while he was a lanky teenager. So what’s so special that’s happening in his life that’s making him so excited? Well, the answer is pretty simple- GST.
GST, also known as Grand Slam Track, is supposed to be the new savior of the track world. After all, with the onset of the Paris Olympics, the issue of athletes’ pay came to the forefront. A host of athletes came forward to speak about how difficult it is to sustain their careers due to a lack of finances in track and field. Looking to revive the scenario, MJ decided to launch his event, the Grand Slam Track. Promising a whopping payment of $100,000 for the winner, Johnson wanted to be a visionary.
Sure enough, with the GST set to kick off on April 5, 2025, the US track legend could not control his excitement. He even compared his feelings to those of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta! Taking to his X account, Johnson shared the ticketing details of the Grand Slam Track. With everything set to kick off, an excited Johnson went back to the glitz and glamor of 1996.
It was the year when Johnson was crowned the Olympic champion with a shining gold medal dangling proudly from his neck. Cut to 2025, MJ is once again, feeling some identical jitters! He said, “Haven’t felt this feeling since July 1996!” Surely, Johnson has every right to feel so. After all, the Grand Slam Track is his brainchild. And the journey to Kingston, Jamaica has not been a bed of roses either. Right from the start, the league has been marred by controversy.
Haven’t felt this feeling since July 1996! https://t.co/GlbGx07gl5
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) March 31, 2025
Initially, fans lashed out at the US legend for kicking off its campaign in the Caribbean instead of America. As it is well known that Jamaica vs. the US is a fierce track rivalry, the Americans wanted the GST to start in their homeland. And while that was not enough, in came Noah Lyles with a host of queries. The Paris Olympic gold medalist stated that the GST lacked proper broadcasting coverage. And what Michael Johnson came up with in reply was something quite extraordinary!
Michael Johnson shuts critics as Grand Slam Track secures global TV deals
Despite some criticism from track icons like Noah Lyles, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track (GST) is overcoming barriers to secure its place on the global sports stage. The athletics league has just signed a series of high-profile broadcast deals, ensuring that its inaugural season will be seen across 189 countries and territories! With new agreements spanning regions including Latin America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Oceania, and Africa, GST’s international reach is expanding at an impressive pace.
Johnson, being the founder and commissioner of the event, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnerships. He stated, “We’ve been busy getting Grand Slam Track ready for the world to see, and we’re delighted that these efforts have come to fruition with these new global television deals. We set out to make Grand Slam Track viewable for fans all across the globe, and these deals reinforce that idea.”
The addition of media giants like beIN Sports, CazéTV, and SuperSport among the 21 broadcast partners is a testament to the league’s growing visibility. This is in direct reply to all the superstars and media personnel alike who questioned the financial and marketing appeal of a track event. The track legend is all guns blazing when it comes to defending and elevating the status of his project.
While some have raised concerns over the league’s format, Michael’s strategic media push continues to build momentum. With such broad exposure, GST is positioned to become a major player in global athletics, despite the occasional skepticism from worthy industry voices. Now, whether this massive venture will work out or not is something only time will tell. So, for now, all fans can wait for is the first race at Kingston, Jamaica. So, folks, are you ready?
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