Gatlin says he can understand athletes' doubt about Johnson’s Grand Slam Track

Former Olympics star Justin Gatlin has said he can understand the lukewarm of Noah Lyle and other athletes toward Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track

Gatlin has weighed in on why he feels Olympics 100m champion Lyles is right to express reservations over Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track event.

Johnson has already lured big names to the event such as Kenny Bednarek, Fred Kerley, Gabby Thomas, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Masai Russel but he has yet to convince Lyles to join the bandwagon.

One of Lyles’ main reservations has been that Grand Slam Track is yet to unveil a broadcaster as he would like to feature in an event that is beamed around the globe and not just for the $100,000 that is on offer for winners of each discipline in the four legs.

Gatlin agrees Lyles is right to ask the hard questions given he is the sport’s biggest star at the moment and whatever he signs up for must meet his standards.

“He knows exactly what he needs to do, and if he does something, that’s going to be televised,” Gatlin said in the latest episode of his Ready Set Go podcast.

“I feel like he thinks that having his races and him televised is going to make a difference and a change for his success,” he added.

Gatlin understands why Lyles wants to transcend beyond his sport, something the Olympics champion has been calling for, as he feels it is the only way track and field can become more popular and respected worldwide.

“So, I can’t knock it. I just think that the exposure needs to be done differently for him,” he added.

“Become a person, a persona outside of athletics, and have a true crossover into a whole different realm,” added Gatlin, using the example of rap star Snoop Dogg who is still reaping the benefits of years of work even though he has not been releasing new songs.

“I mean like I don’t remember the last time Snoop even put out a song,” he said.

 Grand Slam Track will have four meets in 2025, starting in Kingston, Jamaica from April 4-6, then Miami (May 2-4), Philadelphia (May 30-June 1) before concluding in Los Angeles from June 27-29.

Participants will compete in short sprints (100m/200m), short hurdles (100H or 110H/100m), long sprints (200m/400m), long hurdles (400H/400m), short distance (800m/1500m), or long distance (3000m/5000m).