Olympic 100 metres hurdles champion Masai Russell says she would consider signing up for Grand Slam Track again if the Michael Johnson-founded league returns to the athletics calendar.
However, the new world record holder told Leighton Levy on his Mr. Analyst Podcast, that Johnson would have to fulfill one condition.
The American hurdler was one of the standout performers during the league’s inaugural season in 2025.
At the Miami Slam in May, Russell won the women’s 100 metres hurdles and set a new American record of 12.17 seconds.
But despite the excitement surrounding the new competition, Grand Slam Track quickly ran into financial difficulties.
The league staged three meets in its first season, in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia, before cancelling its planned June finale in Los Angeles after promised investment failed to materialize.
However, for Russell, the concept itself remains attractive.
She says Grand Slam Track could have been a game changer for athletics had it succeeded.
Masai Russell.
