A new track league, Grand Slam Track, supported by sprint legend Michael Johnson, has recently signed American runners Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse, who both stood on the podium for the Olympic 1,500 meters. This league plans to conduct four races annually starting in 2025 and is in search of 48 “GST Racers” who will commit to competing in all events. The top finishers stand to win $100,000 in prize money.
In the compelling Paris Games race, Hocker claimed gold by surpassing Britain’s Josh Kerr and Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Kerr, who finished second, has also joined the league, while Nuguse, who secured the bronze after overtaking Ingebrigtsen, has signed on as well.
Olympic hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was the league’s first signee, with more racers expected to follow suit.
With over $30 million secured in investments, Grand Slam Track is offering a prize pool exceeding $12.6 million for 2025. The league plans to supplement the 48 contracted athletes with 48 “GST Challengers” who will receive appearance fees to participate in individual meets.
All racers will compete in two events over a three-day period, with champions determined by their combined finishing positions in both races. Johnson aims to address the gap in track competitions that arises between Olympic games, especially prominent in the United States.
Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the league, stating that the world is seeking such an endeavor to fill that void.