Michael Johnson’s beleaguered Grand Slam Athletics Tour filed for bankruptcy protection on Thursday, saying the move was necessary to stabilize finances after a crisis-hit first season.
US Olympic legend Johnson launched the Grand Slam Track and Field earlier this year with the ambitious goal of transforming track and field, promising a centralized format that would bring the world’s best athletes into more frequent head-to-head competition.
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However, the tour came to a standstill due to financing issues, and Johnson was forced to cancel the fourth and final stop of the Los Angeles Tour in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia.
Johnson said in August that the tour would not go ahead as planned in 2026 until players waiting to claim bonuses for the 2025 tournament receive their bonuses.
The Grand Slam circuit said in a statement on Thursday that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. state of Delaware to “prepare for the league’s sustainable long-term growth.”
“GST intends to use the Chapter 11 process to stabilize its finances, implement a more efficient cost and operating model, and position GST for long-term success,” the statement said.
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Johnson insisted in his statement that he has not given up on his dream of building a viable version of the track.
“The Grand Slam circuit was established to create a professional platform that reflects the talent and dedication of athletes in the sport,” Johnson said.
“While the GST faces significant challenges that have caused frustration for many, including myself, I refuse to give up on the mission of the Grand Slam circuit and the future we are building together.”
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