For years, track and field has been full of raw talent but starving for opportunity. So many athletes grind day in and day out, only to walk away with empty pockets and broken dreams. We’ve heard the talk, “track is struggling financially,” but it never really hit home… until now. But then, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league arrived, and suddenly, the game changed. And now we know the Miami Slam just started up from May 2–4. Winners get a chance to earn a life-changing $100,000. Even 8th place walked away with $10K. That’s right, real money for real effort. But after hearing the message from unsponsored track and field athletes, the tears couldn’t stop falling for us.

Recently, Jacory Patterson reminded everyone why track and field is more than just a race—it’s a fight for opportunity. On the second day of Grand Slam Track Miami, Patterson lit up the track with a blazing 43.98 in the men’s 400m, a new personal best and the fastest time in the world this year. That performance helped him finish second overall in the men’s long sprints group, earning a well-deserved $50,000.

But what melted hearts came after the race, when Rori Dunk shared a clip of Patterson being asked how he’d spend his first $1,000. His response? “I just won $50,000 at Grand Slam—my first $1,000? I’m about to give it to my mom.” That one sentence said everything. But Jacory didn’t stop there.

When asked what advice he’d give to other athletes, he got honest: “Bet on yourself, man. And when things aren’t going your way, that’s not the end. I know it sounds cliché, but man, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel… Keep going, man, no matter what. Get your mental state straight and just keep going.” This kind of wisdom isn’t just talk—it’s hard-earned, straight from the trenches.

Jacory’s living proof of that, juggling life as a pro athlete while working the overnight shift at UPS. From 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., he loads trucks for a delivery service before heading straight to training at 9 a.m. When asked for his best financial advice, he kept it simple and real: “Save. Save… You got your back against the wall—what are you gonna do? You gonna settle, or you gonna keep it pushing?”

Jacory chose to keep pushing—and this weekend, he walked away $50,000 richer. For him and so many others like him, Grand Slam Track isn’t just a meet; it’s a chance to finally turn potential into a paycheck. But remember his Tokyo Olympic struggle in track and field?

Jacory Patterson overcomes obstacles to make his mark in track and field

At 25 years old, Jacory Patterson is on fire—and he’s only getting started in track and field. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, he’s no stranger to pushing limits. After winning gold in the long jump at the 2016 USATF Junior Olympics, he made the switch to sprints, and let’s just say, the track hasn’t been the same since.

From setting state records in the 200m and winning the 400m title in high school to breaking the world under-20 record in the indoor 300m at Virginia Tech, Jacory’s been checking boxes and collecting accolades like they’re going out of style. The overall situation did not unfold as he had envisioned it would. Jacory faced a major downturn because his school decided to withdraw funding for his participation in the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials.

After the funding for his U.S. Olympic Trials appearance was cut, he gathered support from his family to create a GoFundMe page for his travel costs, which needed to amount to $2,500. His message unmistakably declared that this opportunity would not slip through his hands, although anything or anyone might attempt to block his path.

Jacory reaches success in 2025 by winning bronze at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 400m race. This track and field star, together with his teammate Elija Godwin, secured the gold medal as they competed in the 4x400m relay. Through his challenging but successful athletic path, Jacory demonstrates that people must persevere toward their ambitions despite all obstacles.