Michael Johnson to refund $500,000 after Grand Slam Track league collapse

Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has agreed to refund $500,000 he allegedly transferred to himself shortly before his Grand Slam Track (GST) league collapsed in December 2025, leaving athletes and creditors without payment.

The promising new athletics venture managed to stage only three events—in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia—before folding after its inaugural season. Athletes who had signed contracts with lucrative promised salaries and prize money found themselves without compensation when the final event was cancelled and organizers filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States.

According to a legal filing in Delaware by unpaid vendors seeking damages from Johnson and GST, the former sprinting legend allegedly "secretly" paid himself $500,000 just eight days before the league's collapse. GST has firmly denied these allegations, calling them "unfounded and false."

However, in an effort to expedite the bankruptcy proceedings and benefit creditors, Johnson has now committed to returning the funds. A GST spokesperson explained: "While Mr Johnson has been clear that the $500k was a reimbursement and not a payment, to avoid disruption and continue moving forward he and Winners Alliance have agreed to fund the $500k to the plan so that all creditors can benefit and receive a greater distribution in connection with the company's reorganisation and efforts to resurrect the league."

The financial troubles began earlier when major investor Eldridge Industries withdrew a planned $40 million investment, forcing Johnson to personally inject $2.25 million into the business in May 2025. Johnson's representatives maintain that the disputed $500,000 represented only partial reimbursement for over $2 million in personal expenses he advanced for the benefit of the athletes.

Bankruptcy restructuring offers partial relief

GST has proposed an amended bankruptcy plan that would see athletes recover 70% of their outstanding prize money, while unsecured creditors would receive approximately 15% of what they're owed. Among those creditors is a broadcast company still awaiting $3.1 million in payments.

The financial impact extends to high-profile athletes, including former world 1500m champion Josh Kerr, who legal documents show is owed $168,750. The Association of Athletics Managers, representing numerous competitors, reported in January that GST's total debts exceed $30 million.

The collapse has created significant challenges for the sport's governing body. World Athletics has stated it will not consider licensing or supporting any future GST events until all debts from the 2025 season are settled. In a February statement, the organization declared: "It is unconscionable that efforts would be made for Grand Slam Track to restart in 2026 without the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to athletes, vendors and service providers."

Broadcasting relationship changes

The fallout has also affected Johnson's media career. The BBC has confirmed it has no plans to include the 58-year-old athletics legend in its coverage this year, marking the end of a long-standing relationship.

Johnson's representatives clarify that the separation was initiated by Johnson himself rather than the broadcaster. His spokesperson stated: "Michael wishes to clarify that it was his decision not to continue with the BBC after the Paris 2024 Games. With his contract up for renewal after the Olympics, and Grand Slam Track launching soon after, he chose to focus fully on the project. The BBC understood his decision, and he remains grateful for their support and his long-standing relationship with the broadcaster."

The Grand Slam Track saga represents a significant setback for efforts to innovate and expand professional athletics, raising important questions about financial oversight and athlete protection in emerging sports ventures.