Michael Johnson addresses backlash over Grand Slam Track financial issues
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 1:35 PM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
Michael Johnson responded to backlash surrounding Grand Slam Track's financial collapse during a media appearance on August 9, 2026. The organization filed for bankruptcy, leaving athletes unpaid, with Johnson revealing he had reimbursed himself for athlete hotel expenses while also loaning $2 million to the company. Since then, he confirmed that outstanding payments to athletes have been addressed. This situation stemmed from key investors withdrawing support, leading to a significant financial shortfall for GST, which reportedly owed over $40 million, including substantial sums to notable athletes.
- •Michael Johnson confirms he loaned $2 million to Grand Slam Track.
- •GST filed for bankruptcy, leaving athletes unpaid.
- •Johnson reimbursed himself for hotel expenses out of pocket.
- •GST reportedly owed over $40 million, affecting many athletes.
- •Outstanding athlete payments have been resolved as of August 2026.
- 1:35 PMYahoo Sports — "It Was Disappointing": Michael Johnson Explains Backlash Over Taking Money From Grand Slam Track
"It was supposed to be Michael Johnson’s legacy, his great dream to revolutionise the way the world would see athletics in the modern age. Instead, Grand Slam Track (GST) fell hard, filed for bankruptcy and left athletes chasing unpaid money.
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