Grand Slam Track’s Inaugural Meet: A Promising Start or a Grand Flop?
Last weekend, Kingston, Jamaica, played host to the inaugural meet of Michael Johnson’s ambitious new athletics league, Grand Slam Track. With the hopes of injecting Olympic-style excitement into the sport, the event aimed to capture the thrill of major tournaments like tennis and golf. However, the debut was met with mixed reviews, raising questions about its future.
The Grand Slam Track concept features a roster of 48 racers and 48 challengers competing across four meets, with significant prize money up for grabs in six event categories. The idea is to create a buzz around track and field, similar to what major sports leagues have achieved. But did it deliver?
Critics were quick to voice their concerns. Patrick Magyar, the former founder of the Diamond League, took to social media to express his disappointment, dubbing the event “Grand Flop Track.” He described the atmosphere in Kingston as “closer to a mausoleum than a laboratory of innovation.” His words echoed the sentiments of many who felt that the event lacked the energy and excitement expected from a premier athletics competition.
Magyar pointed out that the Diamond League has thrived since its inception in 2010 by presenting a complete version of track and field within a two-hour televised window. “You can’t eliminate half the sport just to fit someone’s narrow idea of what sells,” he argued. With ticket sales for the Diamond League’s 2025 season already showing strong demand, it’s clear that fans are looking for a more comprehensive experience.
Local Jamaican sports journalist Leighton Levy also weighed in, noting that while the performances were commendable, the crowd turnout was disappointing. “On Sunday at noon, most Jamaicans are focused on dinner plans, not attending a track meet,” he explained. He highlighted the cultural disconnect and high ticket prices as barriers to attendance, suggesting that the league needs to better understand its audience.
Adding to the event’s woes was the absence of star athletes like Shericka Jackson and Noah Lyles, whose participation could have drawn larger crowds. In a country renowned for its track and field prowess, their absence was felt keenly.
In response to the critiques, Johnson took to social media, acknowledging that while some aspects of the event were successful, there were clear areas for improvement. He invited fans to share their thoughts on how to enhance the league, emphasizing a commitment to evolving with each event. “What can GST do over the season to make it better?” he asked, inviting a dialogue that many fans eagerly engaged in.
Looking ahead, the next Grand Slam Track meet is scheduled for May 2-4 at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida. However, with a capacity of only 5,000, the challenge of filling the stands remains. The following Philadelphia event at Franklin Field, which can seat over 50,000, poses yet another hurdle for the fledgling league.
As the dust settles on the inaugural meet, one must wonder: Can Grand Slam Track find its footing in the competitive world of athletics, or will it fade into the background like so many other ambitious projects? The journey ahead is uncertain, but the conversation has only just begun.