Olympic champion and 400 meters hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has made history by becoming the first athlete to sign with Michael Johnson’s new global track league, Grand Slam Track. The circuit, set to launch in 2025, promises to revolutionize the sport by providing athletes with more opportunities to compete and earn prize money.
The Grand Slam Track circuit will feature four meets annually, with competitors racing in two events at each meet. The events will be categorized into six disciplines: short sprints, short hurdles, long sprints, long hurdles, short distance, and long distance. Athletes will have the chance to earn up to $100,000 in prize money at each event, in addition to receiving base compensation and appearance fees.
McLaughlin-Levrone expressed her excitement about the new circuit, saying, “It’s going to elevate the platforms of the athletes that compete more than once every four years… and just give opportunities for athletes to be compensated for the hard work we put in.” She emphasized the importance of fair compensation for athletes, highlighting the risks they take to compete at the highest level.
Michael Johnson, the four-time Olympic gold medalist, echoed McLaughlin-Levrone’s sentiments, stating, “They deserve to be compensated.” He criticized the traditional structure of the sport for not providing adequate compensation to athletes who take risks to compete against the best in the world.
The Grand Slam Track circuit is set to take place during the spring and summer seasons, with Los Angeles hosting one of the meets. At least two of the remaining three meets will be held outside the United States. The circuit’s launch comes after World Athletics announced that it would offer prize money to Olympic gold medalists starting from the Paris Olympics.
With McLaughlin-Levrone on board, the Grand Slam Track circuit is poised to attract top talent and provide athletes with more opportunities to shine. The circuit’s focus on fair compensation and athlete welfare is a welcome development in the world of track and field.
The introduction of the Grand Slam Track circuit marks a new era in the sport, one that prioritizes athlete compensation and provides more opportunities for athletes to compete and earn rewards. As the circuit prepares to launch in 2025, athletes and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the exciting competitions and moments that it will bring.
In conclusion, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s signing with the Grand Slam Track circuit is a significant milestone for the sport. The circuit’s innovative approach to athlete compensation and its commitment to providing more opportunities for athletes to compete are set to elevate the sport to new heights. With its launch just around the corner, the track and field world is buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
