Former sprinter claims he is facing own financial losses
‘Michael has asked for patience while we try to fix this’
Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track organisation has denied the former American sprinter has pocketed $2m from the series while athletes have gone unpaid, calling the speculation “categorically false” – and claimed he was facing financial losses himself.
Johnson is facing the prospect of legal action from athletes, agents and the suppliers who helped to stage three GST meetings, with sources claiming they are owed as much as $19m (£13.9m). It is understood that two athletes claim they had to withdraw from buying a house when prize money was not paid, and many privately believe they will never receive their money.
However a representative for the four-time Olympic champion has told the Guardian that, contrary to the speculation he had been paid $2m (£1.45m) during the event, he had actually lost more than $2m of his own money before pulling the plug. “The rumours that Michael Johnson has received $2m or profited in any way from Grand Slam Track are categorically false,” the spokesperson said.
