Summary
Michael Johnson, a former Olympic champion, has agreed to refund $500,000 he reportedly took from the Grand Slam Track (GST) league before it collapsed in December 2025. The GST league, which held events in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia, filed for bankruptcy, leaving many athletes and vendors unpaid. Johnson argues the money was a reimbursement for expenses he paid on behalf of the athletes.
Key Facts
- Michael Johnson agreed to refund $500,000 from the Grand Slam Track league.
- GST league held events in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia before collapsing.
- The league filed for bankruptcy, leaving promised prize money and salaries unpaid.
- Vendors accused Johnson of secretly taking $500,000 before the league's collapse.
- Johnson claims the money was a reimbursement for more than $2 million he spent.
- GST plans to pay athletes 70% of their prize money but only 15% to unsecured creditors.
- World Athletics wants GST's debts paid before allowing future events.
- Johnson will not be part of the BBC's athletics coverage, focusing instead on GST.
