Jamaican sprint star and two-time Olympic medalist Yohan Blake has raised concerns about the selective athlete-entry policies in emerging track leagues, specifically pointing to Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League and Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos as examples.
Blake argues that these leagues focus on a select few athletes, limiting opportunities for many who are equally deserving and prepared.
In a recent interview with Sports Max TV, Blake emphasized the hard work athletes put in, only to face restrictive selection standards. “I think it’s a good thing, but it only speaks to a few people,” he remarked. “They are choosing who they want, and I don’t feel like it should be like that. I believe everyone should have a chance to compete.”
Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League has introduced a prize pool of $12.6 million for its debut season, with $100,000 awarded to event winners.
This league will provide athletes with base compensation and consist of four competitions per year, each spanning three days.
Athlos NYC, spearheaded by Ohanian, recently hosted its 2024 event with a prize of $60,000 for first place, $25,000 for second, and $10,000 for third.
Although lucrative, Blake points out that the selective nature of these leagues leaves out deserving athletes who have the potential to perform well and earn competitive compensation.
Meanwhile, the established Diamond League has responded to the competitive landscape by raising its prize pool to $9.24 million for the 2025 season, a 30% increase that sets a record since the series’ launch in 2010.
Blake praised the move, saying, “The Diamond League has increased the prize money, which is very good. We’re training really hard, and I think there should be a fair structure where everyone has a chance to compete.”
Blake’s remarks underscore the need for more inclusive frameworks in track competitions. As these new leagues develop, he and others in the athletic community hope for reforms to ensure all athletes are given equal chances to showcase their skills on the world stage.
