The final leg of the inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) season, scheduled for June 27-29 at Drake Stadium in Los Angeles, has been canceled due to economic challenges, announced Olympic legend Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and commissioner, on Thursday.
Citing a dramatically shifted global economic landscape, Johnson stated that the decision was made to ensure the long-term stability of GST, billed as the world’s premier track league. “Our attention is now on 2026,” he said, emphasizing a focus on the league’s future sustainability.
The GST season kicked off in Kingston, Jamaica, followed by events in Miami and Philadelphia. Despite low ticket sales in Kingston and a shortened program in Philadelphia, organizers hailed the three completed meets as successful. Plans are underway to secure new investors to bolster the league’s second season.
Johnson, a four-time Olympic champion, called the cancellation a tough but necessary move. “We launched with a bold vision to reimagine professional track racing,” he said. “We’ve achieved our pilot season objectives, but we must make adjustments to improve and ensure the league’s future.”
GST featured prominent athletes like British sprinters Daryll Neita, Matthew Hudson-Smith, and 1500m world champion Josh Kerr. The competition divided male and female athletes into six categories, such as Short Sprints, with top performers racing in both 100m and 200m events. The league offered substantial financial rewards, including up to $100,000 (£73,600) for category winners and salaries for contracted athletes.
The season faced challenges, including reported abuse toward American triple Olympic champion Gabby Thomas in Philadelphia and low attendance in Kingston. British runner Elliot Giles, who competed in Philadelphia, praised the event’s “phenomenal” setup and marketing, urging its continuation. “Competition is what our sport needs,” he said.
American sprinters Kenny Bednarek and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden were named GST Racers of the Year, having dominated their respective Slam Championships across all three events.Organizers remain optimistic about GST’s future, with plans to refine and expand the league in 2026.