Michael Johnson reveals plans for new revolutionary 'Grand Slam' event series that the quadruple Olympic champion insists 'pushes superstar racers to break new ground'

Michael Johnson has unveiled plans for his new revolutionary competitionThe Sprint legend wants to hold four big-money 'Grand Slam' events a yearThe inaugural Slam will be held next April and there will be two events in America

Michael Johnson has announced his plan to revolutionise athletics by holding four big-money ‘Grand Slam’ events a year.

The quadruple Olympic champion revealed in February that he was set to launch a new breakaway track league, which could come to rival World Athletics’ existing Diamond League.

Now Johnson has disclosed the full details of Grand Slam Track (GST), which will emulate tennis and golf by staging four annual major meets, with winners set to receive $100,000 (£79,000) at each one.

The inaugural Slam will be held next April and there will be two events in America – one in Los Angeles and another city – and another two outside of the US, with London a possible location.

Johnson hopes to sign 48 ‘racers’ to compete in all four Slams each year, with another 48 ‘challengers’ to take part in single meets.

Michael Johnson (left) has announced his plan to revolutionise athletics by holding four big-money ‘Grand Slam’ events a year.

The quadruple Olympic champion revealed in February that he was set to launch a new breakaway track league

Athletes will be placed in one of six categories: (100m, 200m), short hurdles (100m, 100m/110m hurdles), long sprints (200m, 400m), long hurdles (400m, 400m hurdles), short distance (800m, 1,500m) or long distance (3,000, 5,000m).

Runners must compete in both events in their category at each three-day Slam and the winner of each group – based on their two finishing places added together - will receive the top cash prize. There will be no field disciplines, as Johnson does not believe they are popular with TV viewers.

The total prize pot is $12.6million (£9.9m), with money coming from private investors and partners, and athletes will also receive lucrative appearance fees. Each Slam will adhere to World Athletics rules, so times will be eligible for rankings and records, but the sport’s governing body will not be involved in any way.

‘I am delighted to finally unveil Grand Slam Track to the millions of track fans around the world,’ said US legend Johnson.

‘We are excited to launch this new platform for the planet’s greatest racers in this sport we all love. Our team has worked tirelessly to design and build a product that will be loved by fans and provide opportunities for our racers that they truly deserve.

‘We’re revolutionising the track landscape, allowing our sport to remain at the forefront of the sporting world year-round, and pushing our superstar racers to break new ground in their personal storytelling, competitive success, and marketability.

‘Grand Slam Track is going to take our sport to new heights and we want you to come along for the ride.’

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the Olympic 400m hurdles champion and world record holder, is the first athlete to sign up to Johnson’s league.

The total prize pot for the event is $12.6million (£9.9m), with money coming from private investors and partners, and athletes will also receive lucrative appearance fees

Now Johnson has disclosed the full details of Grand Slam Track (GST), which will emulate tennis and golf by staging four annual major meets, with winners set to receive $100,000 (£79,000) at each one

‘I’m honoured to be the first racer in Grand Slam Track,’ said the American. ‘Michael’s vision is clear and he’s exactly the leader this sport needs to break new ground.

‘I am thrilled to be a part of this league and look forward to everything we have coming in the future. I firmly believe that this is the step forward that track needs to take it to another level and I can't wait to get to work with the team.’

The launch of GST comes just a fortnight after World Athletics announced a new biennial global competition called the ‘Ultimate Championship’, where gold medallists will each win $150,000 (£118,000). World Athletics president Lord Coe has previously said he is relaxed about Johnson’s proposals.

But it remains to be seen how GST will fit in the athletics calendar alongside the Diamond League, which stages 15 one-day meets from April to September each year.