Lord Coe dismisses Grand Slam Track as a non-threat to World Athletics

In June 2024, Michael Johnson, an acclaimed American athlete and four-time Olympic champion, announced the launch of the Grand Slam Track, a new competition set to debut in 2025. This innovative event will encompass track races ranging from the 100 meters to the 5,000 meters, and has garnered significant attention through its promises of big-name participants and attractive prize money. The inaugural championship will take place in Kingston, Jamaica, followed by events hosted in prominent U.S. cities including Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. The anticipation around this new competition reflects a growing interest in track and field events that had not been previously seen in the sport's recent history. Lord Coe, the current president of World Athletics and a two-time Olympic gold medallist, expressed a supportive stance towards the Grand Slam Track during a recent press conference. He emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative environment in the sports landscape, indicating that competition could benefit rather than threaten existing events. Coe highlighted a marked change in the perception of investment in athletics, noting that while such investments were scarce a decade ago, recent developments suggest a promising future for the sport. He stated his wish for the Grand Slam Track's success, believing it could add vibrancy and appeal to athletics, thereby coexisting alongside established competitions like The Diamond League. Looking ahead to 2025, The Diamond League is scheduled to conduct its 15 meetings, having increased its prize money total to a record amount of 9.2 million dollars. Coe’s remarks about the development of the Grand Slam Track suggest a willingness from World Athletics to embrace new formats and ideas, thereby signaling a transformative period for the sport. Furthermore, Coe indicated that communication and coordination would be essential for integrating new competitions without conflict in scheduling, which could facilitate wider options for athletes and fans alike. As the upcoming elections for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee approach, with Coe being one of the seven candidates, his statements also illustrate a strategic approach to leadership within global athletics. Should he be elected as the new IOC president, responsibilities at World Athletics will transition smoothly under the guidance of senior vice-president Ximena Restrepo, ensuring continuity in organizational leadership. The clear governance structure established by Coe ensures that there are processes in place to handle such transitions effectively, enabling World Athletics to focus on fostering innovation while maintaining operational integrity.