4-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has chosen Kingston, Jamaica, because the launchpad for his formidable new athletics league, Grand Slam Track. In an unique interview with Jamaicans.com, Johnson shared why this second marks greater than only a sporting occasion—it’s a celebration of legacy, tradition, and a daring imaginative and prescient for the way forward for monitor and subject.
Honouring a World Sprinting Powerhouse
Jamaica’s outsized impression on monitor and subject is not any secret. However Johnson factors out that whereas the island produces a few of the world’s most celebrated athletes, no world league has ever actually acknowledged that legacy by internet hosting a significant worldwide occasion there.
“We needed to honour the contribution Jamaica has needed to the game over many years,” Johnson defined. “No higher place than Kingston to mix music, meals, tradition, and the game in a single compelling pageant of velocity.”
Grand Slam Observe isn’t nearly competitors. It’s also about reimagining how and the place world-class athletics is showcased.
A League Mannequin Match for the Trendy Period
Grand Slam Observe introduces a brand new mannequin for skilled monitor and subject—one designed to supply athletes extra constant, high-stakes competitors past the Olympic cycle.
In contrast to conventional meets, the Grand Slam league options:
- A roster of 48 elite athletes signed to the collection
- Assured base salaries and record-breaking prize cash, together with US$100,000 for first place and US$10,000 for eighth
- World broadcast distribution, reaching audiences in over 100 nations
“That is the unique dwelling for the quickest individuals on the planet,” stated Johnson. “We’re creating one thing athletes and followers can depend on—not simply each 4 years.”
Jamaica–USA Rivalry: A Defining Dynamic
Reflecting on his early profession, Johnson recalled going through Jamaican dash legends like Raymond Stewart and Bert Cameron throughout collegiate competitions in the US. The longstanding rivalry between Jamaica and the US, he famous, is without doubt one of the most charming in sport.
“While you’ve received a rustic of three million individuals commonly outperforming one with 300 million, that’s one thing particular,” he stated. “It’s a pleasant rivalry—till you’re on social media. Then it will get very actual.”
Shifting Past Star-Pushed Spectacles
Although Johnson stays a fan of generational icons like Usain Bolt—who famously broke his 200m world document—he’s cautious about over-relying on star energy to hold the game.
“Observe and subject wants construction and competitors—not only a once-in-a-decade famous person,” he defined. “We loved the Bolt period, however now we’re constructing one thing sustainable. Grand Slam is in regards to the ongoing competitors between the most effective of the most effective.”
Supporting the Subsequent Technology
Johnson additionally revealed that the Grand Slam occasion in Kingston will characteristic a collaboration with Jamaica’s Boys and Ladies Athletics Championships, recognized regionally as ‘Champs’. The goal is to combine rising youth athletes into the world-class meet, giving them an opportunity to shine on a world stage.
Past that, Johnson confirmed plans to assist grassroots athletics by means of tools donations and programme funding in host cities, together with Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
“We’ve already labored with the Authorities of Jamaica to refurbish the Nationwide Stadium monitor,” he stated. “However we’re additionally taking a look at how we will uplift the game at each degree, from elite efficiency to native youth growth.”
A Hypothetical Dream Relay Group
Requested to assemble a fantasy 4x100m relay staff of two Jamaicans and two Individuals, Johnson provided a line-up that speaks to each excellence and wit:
- Maurice Greene (USA) on lead-off
- Usain Bolt (Jamaica) on second leg
- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) on third
- Florence Griffith-Joyner (USA) on anchor
Johnson joked that he would place the Individuals on the primary and anchor legs, leaving the center legs to the Jamaicans—as a result of, as he laughingly admitted, he doesn’t belief the Individuals with the baton exchanges.
Kingston Debut
Grand Slam Observe makes its debut in Kingston from 4–6 April 2025 on the Nationwide Stadium. The occasion will broadcast globally, together with on Peacock and CW within the US, and Eurosport and TNT within the UK and Europe.
“When you love watching the Olympics, you’ll love Grand Slam Observe,” stated Johnson. “We’re bringing you the most effective athletes, competing head-to-head, with actual stakes and unbelievable vitality.”
For Jamaican followers at dwelling and overseas, the message is evident: this isn’t simply an occasion to witness—it’s a second to personal. Get your tickets here.
Cowl photograph contributed
