Grand Slam Track Faces Tough Challenge as It Rounds Out Its Star-Studded Roster

The new Grand Slam Track (GST) event, with Michael Johnson as its founder set to launch next year, has taken the track and field world by storm, signing some of the most prominent names in the sport. But even with all the star power, maintaining that elite talent level might be more complex. As GST announced its 19th and 20th athletes —Ackera Nugent and Roshawn Clarke—they’ve completed the women’s short hurdles group, adding a final piece to an impressive roster. (Editor’s note: GST has now named athletes 21-30!).

For a company whose tagline is “only the fastest,” they’ve mostly lived up to the hype. GST’s roster includes Olympic and World Championships medalists and athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn. These athletes have proven they can compete on the biggest stages and win. However, as GST continues to expand its roster, some recent signings have raised questions about whether they can sustain this excellence long-term.

Track and field are competitive, and while GST wants to keep signing top-tier athletes, it is starting to push the limits of who it can sign. For example, Nikki Hiltz, who finished 7th in the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 1500m, is one of the few athletes on its roster who didn’t finish in the top four in a recent global competition. While Hiltz secured a World Indoor silver, her signing slightly deviated from GST’s initial all-medalist approach.

The challenge is clear: To stay “only the fastest,” GST must keep bringing in athletes who consistently finish in the top four at World Championships or Olympic Games. But there are only so many top-tier athletes available, and the competition to sign them is fierce. Track and field doesn’t have the same roster flexibility as a team sport….