“UK Athletics Declines Participation in Grand Slam Track Competition Due to Financial Risks”

UK Athletics has opted out of participating in Michael Johnson's ambitious $30 million (£23.5 million) Grand Slam Track competition, citing concerns over the financial risks involved. The organization’s chief executive expressed that the costs associated with the event would be too high. The Grand Slam Track series is set to kick off in Jamaica in April 2025, with Birmingham's Alexander Stadium and the London Stadium among the potential venues for one of the four events. Los Angeles and Miami are also confirmed to be part of the competition, with the final location yet to be announced. The series has already attracted a number of elite athletes, including four-time US Olympic gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Britain's Olympic 1500m silver medallist Josh Kerr, and features a substantial prize fund of $12.6 million. UK Athletics is currently focusing its efforts on securing a bid to host the World Championships instead.