Michael Johnson faces a crossroads in his broadcasting career. The four-time Olympic champion hasn’t appeared on the BBC since the 2024 Paris Games, turning instead to his ambitious Grand Slam Track project, a venture now struggling with internal turbulence. Johnson joined the broadcaster’s commentary team in 2001 and became one of its most recognizable voices. But fresh complications behind the scenes have cast doubt on a potential return for him.

The BBC has decided to move on without one of its most familiar voices. A March 18 report from the broadcaster confirmed that it has no plans to feature the iconic sprinter in its athletics lineup for 2026. The reason? Michael Johnson’s ambitious Grand Slam Track league collapsed in December 2025, leaving behind a trail of unpaid athletes and creditors.

The 58-year-old American finds himself deep in the fallout from that downfall. For years, Johnson was a fixture on the BBC’s athletics coverage, joining the team back in 2001 and earning a reputation for sharp, insightful analysis. But this year, he won’t be back on the mic, as questions over Grand Slam Track’s finances continue to swirl.

At the center of it all is an accusation in a US legal filing claiming Johnson paid himself $500,000 (£376,000) just eight days before GST folded. The league quickly fired back, calling the claim “unfounded and false.” In its response, GST insisted the payment was a legitimate reimbursement for expenses Johnson had personally covered.

Last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo offered the first glimpse of change. Michael Johnson was notably absent, prompting speculation about his future. However, now, Johnson’s camp says this shift wasn’t a snub from the broadcaster. Instead, it was his call:

“Michael wishes to clarify that it was his decision not to continue with the BBC after the Paris 2024 Games,” his spokesperson told the newspaper.

“With his contract up for renewal after the Olympics, and Grand Slam Track launching soon after, he chose to focus fully on the project. The BBC understood his decision, and he remains grateful for their support and his longstanding relationship with the broadcaster.”

While his role regarding the BBC is clear, a bigger question stands: Where does that leave the sprinters’ once-promising track league? For now, the future of Grand Slam Track looks uncertain. Still, some athletes on board are keeping an open mind.

Kerr steps in to defend Michael Johnson amidst GST controversy

Grand Slam Track was supposed to change the game. Johnson’s bold vision launched in early 2024 with a promise to give runners more spotlight and far better pay. As founder and commissioner, the four-time Olympic champion mapped out four “Slams” a year and signed 48 athletes from sprints to distance. It felt like track and field’s big TV moment had finally arrived.

Backed by $30 million from Winners Alliance and other investors, GST made its high-octane debut in April 2025, bringing three-day showcases to Kingston and Los Angeles. Cameras rolled, crowds buzzed, and the sport suddenly felt sleek and fresh. The idea was clear: outshine the Diamond League and take track beyond the shadow of the Olympics.

But then, by December 2025, everything changed. Athletes were left unpaid while creditors lined up for answers as GST entered a court-supervised reorganisation. Among those caught in the fallout was world champion Josh Kerr, who has filed a claim for $218,750 (£164,150) after the inaugural season ended abruptly.

“Of course I’m frustrated,” said Kerr. “I’m owed a lot of money, so in any business anyone’s going to be frustrated. I don’t particularly know right now where to push those frustrations and where they should sit.”

“I’ve had conversations with Michael [Johnson], I’ve had information given to me by my agents on this stuff. I don’t think these are bad people. I think this is a horrible situation,” he added.

Kerr’s biggest worry is for younger athletes who took a leap of faith with their careers. Meanwhile, questions keep swirling after a court filing claimed Johnson quietly received $500,000 (£372,750) even as the project teetered. Despite everything, the sprint legend isn’t walking away.

“I refuse to give up on the mission of Grand Slam Track,” Johnson said.

For now, there’s no word on what comes next. Only time will tell if Michael Johnson shares his thoughts on the situation. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below!