“I think I can save track, I don’t think I can save track and field.”, Well, this statement set off a whirlwind of backlash. But now Michael Johnson isn’t dodging the heat, he’s walking straight into it, gold spikes on. After making waves for saying he wants to save track, Johnson’s intent got twisted online. Fans and insiders quickly noticed what he didn’t say—field events. That gap raised eyebrows, including those of Paris Olympic Champion Tara Davis-Woodhall, who brought it up face-to-face saying Field “does not need saving at all”. The result? A rare, unfiltered Johnson, addressing the criticism head-on.

Was Johnson ignoring field athletes? Or was he just being honest about where his expertise—and influence—could go?

On Justin Gatlin’s Ready Set Go, 31 July, podcast, Gatlin didn’t shy away from tough questions. He brought them up directly. And Johnson’s response was revealing: “People ask questions, and they don’t know the question that was asked to you. They understand your answer only.” He clarified that the original question was focused on whether he could save the entire sport. His answer? Honest and precise: track, not track and field.

So why the fuss?

Johnson knows exactly why. “Look, I’m in the public eye. I have been for a very long time,” he said calmly, reminding Gatlin—and the audience—what comes with bold moves. “If people want to say that I said I feel like I can be the savior, I mean, okay. I put myself out there. I have to take it, and I’ll take it.”

It’s not just about deflecting criticism—it’s about embracing it. Johnson sees the scrutiny as part of the package, just as he did after the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when he failed to win a medal. “I was judged on that: ‘You didn’t win.’ Not on ’96 or 2000. And right now, I’m judged on this bold move.”

So what comes next for Grand Slam Track, and can Michael Johnson prove that his bold claims are more than just talk? The sport is watching—and this time, he is sprinting toward the spotlight, not away from it.

Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track is in a deep mess

Well, ever since its last meet was cancelled, the track world’s been buzzing with bad news. Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track, hyped as a game-changer with a $12.6 million prize pool, is in hot water. Athletes like Gabby Thomas are still waiting for their money, reportedly, $13 million in unpaid prize money and appearance fees from meets in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia. The league’s first season, meant to rival the Diamond League, promised $100,000 per event winner, but only Kingston’s appearance fees have been paid. What’s going wrong?

The trouble started when a key investor pulled an eight-figure commitment after the Kingston meet, leaving Johnson scrambling. “That was a huge blow to us, caused a major, major cash flow issue,” he told Front Office Sports. The Los Angeles finale was canceled, saving $3 million, but athletes are still owed millions. World Athletics is watching closely, with president Sebastian Coe saying, “It’s not good.” Can Johnson fix this mess?

Johnson is fighting to save face, insisting GST will return in 2026. He’s raised some funds but needs more. “We’re very confident we’ll pull ourselves out,” he said. Will athletes get their dues?