Grand Slam Track’s Los Angeles Finale Cancelled Amid Financial Concerns
The final leg of the inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) series — a high-profile athletics competition backed by Olympic legend Michael Johnson — has been cancelled. Scheduled for 28-29 June at the Drake Stadium in Los Angeles, the event was pulled due to concerns over the financial viability of hosting at the 2028 Olympic city venue, BBC sources report.
Launched in 2025 with ambitious aims, GST featured four meets: Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and the now-cancelled Los Angeles finale. While the competition showcased star athletes such as British sprinters Daryll Neita and Matthew Hudson-Smith, and world 1500m champion Josh Kerr, the series faced several hurdles. The Kingston opener suffered from poor attendance, and in Philadelphia, U.S. Olympic champion Gabby Thomas reported being subjected to abuse.
Despite these challenges, organisers are treating the season as a success and are now shifting focus to 2026. Reports suggest GST is close to securing new investors to support the upcoming season and ensure greater financial stability.
The event format split athletes into six competitive categories, with eight athletes per group competing in 100m, 200m, and other race types across weekends. Significant financial rewards — up to $100,000 per category winner — were a core feature.
Middle-distance runner Elliot Giles praised the Philadelphia leg as “phenomenal,” citing the setup, hype, and marketing as standout aspects. Johnson remains optimistic, acknowledging short-term financial hurdles but confident in the long-term impact GST can have on the sport’s growth and popularity.
