World champion Josh Kerr becomes the first British star to sign up to Michael Johnson's lucrative new Grand Slam Track league... after criticising the 'crazy' prize money offered by World Athletics
- Josh Kerr has signed up to Michael Johnson's new Grand Slam Track league
- Athletes will win £79,000 if they manage to finish top of their category
World champion Josh Kerr has become the first British star to sign up to Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Track league.
The big-money series starts next April in Los Angeles, with three other meets to take place next year at different venues around the world.
Every athlete will compete in two races at each Slam and will win $100,000 (£79,000) if they top their category.
Kerr has signed up to run the 1500m – the event he won at last year’s World Championships – as well as the 800m.
He is just the second athlete to officially join GST, after American 400m hurdles Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
World champion Josh Kerr has signed up to Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Track league
Kerr praised Johnson, who he says wants to change the sport for the better
‘Grand Slam Track is the future for this sport and I’m buzzing to be the first British racer signed to the league,’ said Kerr.
‘Getting to work with Michael, a great of the sport, is awesome. He wants to shake things up and change this game for the better.
‘He has put us athletes at the forefront of all his decisions in creating the league. I can’t wait to get racing in the Slams and to put on a performance for all track fans around the world.
‘I look forward to facing the best in the world four times a year.’
Kerr previously criticised the 'crazy' prize money that was offered by World Athletics
Earlier this year, Kerr criticised the ‘crazy’ prize money offered by World Athletics after collecting just $40,000 (£31,500) for winning the 3,000m at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow. He hinted then that he would be keen to join Johnson’s venture to earn more cash.
‘It’s taken a lot of time, but we’re starting to get somewhere financially,’ added Kerr.
In all, Johnson hopes to sign 48 ‘racers’ to compete in all four Slams each year, with another 48 ‘challengers’ to take part in single meets.
The US legend said: ‘I am excited to announce Josh Kerr as a GST racer and add such a talented competitor to our roster.
‘Josh will show the world his incredible speed at the Olympics this summer, but we already know he is one of the fastest men on this planet.
‘We want to have a diverse, international roster of talent for our four Slams, and having Josh on board is a hugely important announcement for our league.’
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