Los Angeles, California. The Grand Slam Track, the innovative international athletics circuit led by renowned sprinter Michael Johnson, has announced the cancellation of its final stop, scheduled for June 28 and 29 at Drake Stadium at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This decision represents a setback for the ambitious project that sought to transform athletics globally, and which had the participation of prominent figures such as the Dominican Marileidy Paulino and her compatriot Alexander Ogando.
Causes for Cancellation
The cancellation is attributed to multiple economic factors, including low ticket sales, lack of sponsorships, logistical challenges at the UCLA venue, and issues with television broadcasts. Additionally, recent incidents were reported in the city of Los Ángeles, related to political tensions over immigration issues, which further complicated the situation for the organizers. The suspension of the stop will save the organizers an estimated three million dollars in prizes, logistics and transfers, in a context where revenues did not meet expectations.An Innovative Format
The Grand Slam Track was conceived to offer a renewed experience for both athletes and fans. Inspired by professional tennis, the circuit promised significant cash prizes and a more compact, accessible, and televised format. Up to $100,000 was offered to the athlete with the highest score at the end of two days, an unprecedented incentive in non-Olympic or Diamond League competitions. Despite these attractions, empty stands were a constant on several dates, and the broadcasting agreements failed to secure the return on investment expected for the sponsors.Outstanding Participation of Paulino and Ogando
Despite the setbacks, the presence of Olympic and world champion Marileidy Paulino gave the tournament a boost. The Dominican sprinter won the two most recent stops (Miami and Philadelphia) in the 400-meter flat, obtaining a total of $200,000 in prizes. For his part, Alexander Ogando also had a notable performance, accumulating $110,000 in his participations between the 200 and 400 meters. Both Dominican athletes were promoted as part of the star core of the circuit along with international figures such as Gabby Thomas, Kenny Bednarek and Matthew Hudson-Smith.Michael Johnson’s Next Steps
Michael Johnson, four-time Olympic medalist and main promoter of the Grand Slam Track, plans to hold a video conference with the athletes and their representatives after the Diamond League meeting in Oslo, to personally explain the reasons for the cancellation and the future of the league. Johnson had managed to raise more than $30 million in initial capital to launch this project. However, the lack of immediate results has put the viability of the format in doubt under current market conditions.The Future of Grand Slam Track
The suspension of the stop in Los Angeles leaves the Grand Slam Track in an uncertain position. What promised to be a revolution for track and field could require a deep restructuring if it hopes to continue in future editions.For now, athletes like Paulino and Ogando will return to their usual schedules, including the Diamond League and preparations for the Paris 2026 Olympic Games, where they are expected to represent the Dominican Republic again with medal options.“It was a brave and necessary experiment, but at this moment the model has become unsustainable,” declared a source close to the organization. “Michael Johnson remains committed to the idea, but it will be necessary to rethink several aspects, from marketing to logistics and strategic alliances.”
Source close to the organization
