Michael Johnson cancels Los Angeles leg of Grand Slam Track competition
- Michael Johnson announced the cancellation of the Los Angeles leg of the Grand Slam Track competition due to financial challenges.
- The decision was taken to prevent estimated losses exceeding $2 million and to secure necessary investments for future seasons.
- Organizers are confident that the competition will continue in 2026, despite the disappointment of an early season conclusion.
In the United States, the Grand Slam Track competition's inaugural season faced a premature end after Michael Johnson, the Olympic champion and co-founder, announced the cancellation of the Los Angeles event. Originally scheduled for June 28-29, the final leg of this new athletics league was called off due to financial constraints, including poor ticket sales and lack of sponsorship. The cancellation was deemed necessary to avoid estimated losses of over $2 million, which would have occurred had the event proceeded as planned. Organizers made the difficult decision based on the need to secure a new sponsor, which is expected to be announced soon in preparation for the 2026 season. Johnson expressed that the decision was aimed at preserving the future of the league, acknowledging the drastic nature of the move while emphasizing a focus on sustainability. He noted that the inaugural season had successfully met several objectives, but challenges in the economic landscape necessitated an early conclusion. Despite these setbacks, organizers remain optimistic about the long-term future of Grand Slam Track, with Los Angeles remaining a potential host city for future events. This inaugural season included significant prize money and aimed to attract a young fanbase through innovative programming, although it faced criticism for including only track events while omitting field disciplines. As ticket sales fell short in various locations, including the opening event in Kingston, Jamaica, discussions to explore more viable markets for future seasons began. The Philadelphia event saw increased attendance, suggesting that adjustments might be needed in how the events are organized and marketed moving forward. Johnson and his team are now directing their efforts towards the 2026 season, with confidence that the competition can evolve and thrive amidst these challenges. Overall, despite the unfortunate end to the current season's events, the aim remains to build towards a successful 2026 season. Organizers are hopeful that lessons learned will help in framing a promising future for the Grand Slam Track league, ensuring it can compete on a global stage.