"I think that it has gotten to a point where we've taken the racing out of racing. We've taken the sport and turned it into something else. Track is about racing. You have eight athletes on the track for a reason. You award a champion or award a winner of the race for a reason: because they outperformed everyone else. And that's not easy. That's one of my fears: that people will start to think that it's easy, because the winner is not really being highlighted for having won. They're being highlighted for having run a personal best.
Ultimately, if you're not careful, you end up with this deconstructed competition where it's not about the athletes in the race… We're very excited about what we're bringing...I can't wait. That's what you want. One of the things that's funny to me is when I see people in the track world on social media talking about fantasy matchups. It’s like: We have the real fantasy over here. It's real. It's not fantasy. It's actually happening."
The countdown is on. We are just one month away from the launch of Grand Slam Track, a bold new league that promises to shake up the sport of track and field—and today, we’re talking to the man behind it all, Michael Johnson.
We’ve done multiple episodes with MJ as a four-time Olympic champion, world record holder and one of the most respected voices in the sport. If you haven’t listened to those, I suggest you go back and do so. Our 2022 CITIUS MAG Live at Worlds interview with him is one of the best big picture conversations we’ve done on the state of the sport.
Johnson has spent years analyzing what’s missing in professional track. His solution? A structured, high-stakes, athlete-driven competition that puts rivalries, personalities, and pure racing at the forefront.
With 48 signed Racers, a multi-platform media deal, and a $30 million investment, Grand Slam Track is designed to change how the sport operates, creating a true professional league that’s built to last.
Today, we dive into:
How the league is strategically structuring itself to maximize the talent track
What success really looks like in Year 1 from a business standpoint
Inside the TV deal and how it came together
The lessons from other sports (even WWE) that can help track engage more fans
And more on what to expect when the first meet kicks off in Kingston
Michael Johnson isn’t here to wait for change—he’s making it happen. Let’s get into it.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.
RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.
OLIPOP: BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.
