Michael Johnson Faces Allegations of $500,000 Self-Payment Amid League Collapse
Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, 58, has been accused of paying himself $500,000 while his failed Grand Slam Track (GST) league owed millions to athletes and other creditors. According to a court filing in the United States, the payment was made just days before Johnson informed athletes that the final GST event of the 2025 season was cancelled due to insufficient funds.
Bankruptcy and Unpaid Debts to Star Athletes
The Johnson-backed project filed for bankruptcy in late 2025, leaving behind six-figure debts owed to numerous leading track stars. Among those affected are British runners Josh Kerr and Matt Hudson-Smith, as well as 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States. The league's estimated liabilities range between $10 million and $50 million, impacting over 200 creditors.
Legal Battle Over Creditor Payments
A group of unpaid vendors, described as an official committee of unsecured creditors, is now seeking permission to sue the individual leaders of GST, including Johnson and lead investors Winners Alliance. Their claim alleges that Johnson recouped a portion of his investment on June 4, 2025, despite knowing the league was in deep financial trouble before the aborted Los Angeles meet later that month.
In a filing at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, lawyers stated: Mr Johnson initiated a payment of $500,000 purportedly on account of an unsecured note. Shockingly, Mr Johnson elected to secretly prefer himself over the athletes and other, non-insider creditors, while at the same time feigning to the public that he was selflessly looking to advance the interests of the athletes.
The filing further notes: Moreover, at the same time, the debtor knew it was in precarious financial straits without sufficient cash to complete its contemplated season.
Controversial Repayment Plan and League's Downfall
The creditors' committee is opposing a GST proposal that would pay general unsecured vendors only 1.5 percent of what they are owed, while offering critical athletes and critical vendors 85 percent of their claims. This disparity has fueled the legal dispute, highlighting the financial mismanagement that led to the league's collapse.
Johnson launched GST in 2024 with a vow to save track athletics, promising lucrative prizes and elite billing. However, the plan quickly unravelled after a key backer withdrew following the first event in Jamaica in 2024. The league filed for bankruptcy in December 2025, and World Athletics has stated that GST will not be granted a licence to return until its 2025 debts are settled.
GST has been contacted for comment regarding these allegations, but no response has been provided at this time. The case continues to unfold in bankruptcy court, with creditors pushing for accountability from Johnson and other league leaders.
