Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson is the main public face of Grand Slam Track The final leg of Grand Slam Track - the athletics competition backed by Olympic great Michael Johnson - has been cancelled, sources have told the BBC. It is understood there were concerns about the economics of the deal at the final venue of the 2025 calendar in Los Angeles, and organisers will instead concentrate on next season's programme. It is also understood Grand Slam Track (GST) is set to announce new investors to help fund its second season. The competition was due to run for four meets in its debut season, culminating at University College Los Angeles' Drake Stadium on 28-29 June. The LA meet was in line to follow those in the Jamaican capital of Kingston - which saw low ticket sales throughout the events - and in the USA in Miami and Philadelphia. The competition featured a host of well-known athletes, including British Olympic sprinters Daryll Neita and Matthew Hudson-Smith, and 1500m world champion Josh Kerr. Male and female competitors are subdivided into six categories - each containing eight athletes - such as Short Sprints, with the eight featuring in that group competing in the 100m and 200m each weekend. It offered significant financial incentives, with up to $100,000 (£73,600) on offer for the winners of race categories, as well as salaries for contracted athletes. GST has suffered controversies in its maiden year. American three-time Olympic champion Gabby Thomaswas allegedly abusedduring the meet in Philadelphia. And Johnson himself admitted he would "love to see more spectators" after the opening event in Kingstonwas poorly attendedin April. However, organisers do consider the three meetings that took place a success. Johnson said when launching the event that while it may not prove a financial success in the short-term, he believed in its long-term viability.
Final Grand Slam Track event in Los Angeles cancelled
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Grand Slam Track's Final Event in Los Angeles Cancelled Amid Financial Concerns"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The final leg of the Grand Slam Track athletics competition, which is prominently supported by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, has been cancelled. This decision comes amid concerns regarding the financial viability of the event at its last scheduled venue in Los Angeles for the 2025 calendar. Organizers have decided to redirect their focus towards planning for the upcoming season instead. Additionally, there are reports that Grand Slam Track (GST) is on the verge of announcing new investors who will provide the necessary funding for the competition's second season. The Grand Slam Track was initially intended to feature four meets throughout its debut season, culminating at the prestigious Drake Stadium at University College Los Angeles on June 28-29, 2025. The Los Angeles meet was expected to follow events that were held in Kingston, Jamaica, where ticket sales did not meet expectations, and in Miami and Philadelphia, which also faced similar challenges.
The competition showcased a variety of well-known athletes, including British Olympians Daryll Neita and Matthew Hudson-Smith, as well as 1500m world champion Josh Kerr. Athletes were divided into six categories, each consisting of eight competitors, allowing them to compete in events such as the 100m and 200m sprints each weekend. The event offered substantial financial incentives, with winners potentially earning up to $100,000, alongside salaries for contracted athletes. Despite some controversies during its inaugural year, including an incident involving American Olympic champion Gabby Thomas, the organizers deemed the three events that did take place as successes. Johnson expressed his desire for increased spectator attendance, particularly after the disappointing turnout at the opening event in Kingston. He remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the Grand Slam Track, even if it does not achieve immediate financial success.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The cancellation of the final Grand Slam Track event in Los Angeles raises several questions regarding the future of the athletics competition backed by Olympic champion Michael Johnson. As the competition faced economic challenges and low ticket sales, the organizers opted to focus on securing new investments for the next season rather than proceeding with the scheduled event.
Economic Concerns and Future Investments
The decision to cancel the event appears to stem from financial uncertainties related to the Los Angeles venue. Organizers are reportedly looking for new investors to support the upcoming season, indicating that the competition's current financial model may not be sustainable. This situation reflects broader challenges in the sports industry, particularly for new events trying to establish themselves in a crowded market.
Public Perception and Attendance Issues
The cancellation, alongside the reported low attendance at previous meets, suggests that public interest may not be as high as anticipated. Michael Johnson's acknowledgment of the need for greater spectator engagement highlights the challenges faced by the Grand Slam Track in attracting an audience. This situation could influence public perception, potentially leading to skepticism about the competition's viability.
Controversies and Challenges in the First Year
The inaugural season of the Grand Slam Track has not been without its controversies, including reported incidents of abuse at events. Such issues could further tarnish the competition's reputation and undermine efforts to attract sponsors and investors. The organizers' belief in the long-term potential of the event may be tested by these setbacks.
Impact on the Athletic Community
The Grand Slam Track aimed to provide significant financial incentives for athletes, which could have a positive effect on the sports community. However, the cancellation may lead to disappointment among competitors and fans who were looking forward to the final event. This outcome could also affect the morale of athletes who invested time and effort into participating in the competition.
Broader Implications for the Sports Industry
The news may reflect broader trends within the sports industry, especially regarding new competitions struggling to gain traction. Economic viability remains a critical concern, and the ability to attract sponsors and audiences will significantly impact future events. The cancellation could serve as a cautionary tale for similar initiatives aiming to enter the market.
The credibility of this article seems sound, as it draws on credible sources and provides specific details about the event's circumstances. However, the framing of the issues raised could influence public perception, suggesting a need for careful evaluation of the competition's future. The overall message seems geared toward understanding the economic realities faced by new sports initiatives, while also acknowledging the potential for growth and development in subsequent seasons.