Johnson to give back alleged 'secret' payment of $500,000

Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has confirmed he will refund a sum of $500,000 (£375,000) he allegedly "secretly" paid himself just days before his Grand Slam Track (GST) league collapsed.

Three GST events were held - in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia - before the project folded in December 2025.

Contracted runners had been promised lucrative prize money and salaries in the competition's inaugural season, but the final event was cancelled and organisers later voluntarily filed for bankruptcy in the US.

A legal filing in Delaware by vendors claiming against Johnson and GST includes an accusation that eight days before the collapse, he "secretly" paid himself $500,000 (£375,000). GST called that accusation "unfounded and false".

A GST spokesperson said: "While Mr Johnson has been clear that the $500k was a reimbursement and not a payment, to avoid disruption and continue moving forward he and Winners Alliance have agreed to fund the $500k to the plan so that all creditors can benefit and receive a greater distribution in connection with the company's reorganisation and efforts to resurrect the league."

In May 2025, Johnson put $2.25m (£1.68m) into the business, after Eldridge Industries decided not to invest $40m (£30m).

Johnson's spokesperson said: "Michael has asserted defences to the claim, including that this was a partial reimbursement of over $2m (£1.5m) of expenses advances by Michael for the benefit of the athletes."

GST has agreed to amend its plan to get out of bankruptcy, with sources telling the BBC that the new offer would mean athletes received 70% of their prize money but unsecured creditors would only be given around 15%. Those creditors include a broadcast company still owed $3.1m (£2.3m).

Former world 1500m champion Josh Kerr was one of the British athletes invited to be part of the league, and legal documents claim he is owed $168,750 (£123,000).

The Association of Athletics Managers, which represents a number of competitors, said in January that GST had debts of more than $30m (£22.5m).

World Athletics said it would only consider licensing or supporting any future GST events once its debts from the 2025 season are paid.

In a statement in February, the governing body said: "It is unconscionable that efforts would be made for Grand Slam Track to restart in 2026 without the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to athletes, vendors and service providers."

The BBC has confirmed there are no plans to use Johnson, 58, in its athletics coverage this year.

Johnson's spokesperson said: "Michael wishes to clarify that it was his decision not to continue with the BBC after the Paris 2024 Games.

"With his contract up for renewal after the Olympics, and Grand Slam Track launching soon after, he chose to focus fully on the project.

"The BBC understood his decision, and he remains grateful for their support and his long-standing relationship with the broadcaster."