Michael Johnson Willing to Reimburse $726,000 He ‘Quietly’ Paid Himself from Failed Track League

Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic champion, has consented to refund $726,000 (US$500,000) following allegations that he “clandestinely” compensated himself mere days prior to the downfall of his Grand Slam Track (GST) league.

Five Australian athletes participated in the league’s inaugural season, including Jessica Hull, Abbey Caldwell, Sarah Carli, Peter Bol, and Ky Robinson.

Many athletes are still owed millions, having only received a fraction of their agreed payments.

They were promised significant prize money and salaries throughout the season, but the final event was cancelled, leading organisers to file for bankruptcy voluntarily in the US.

According to a filing in an American court by vendors, Johnson “secretly” paid himself $US500,000 just eight days before the league’s collapse.

In May 2025, Johnson injected over US$2 million into the business after Eldridge Industries, a potential investor, withdrew from their initial commitment of $US40 million.

A GST representative dismissed the allegations as “baseless and inaccurate.”

“While Mr Johnson maintains that the $500k was a reimbursement rather than a payment, both he and Winners Alliance have opted to contribute the $500k to the recovery plan, ensuring creditors receive a better distribution during the company’s restructuring and attempts to revive the league,” a GST spokesperson stated.

Johnson’s representative further explained: “Michael has defended the claims, asserting that this was a partial reimbursement for over $US2 million he advanced for the athletes’ benefit.”

GST has reportedly adjusted its plan to emerge from bankruptcy. Sources informed the BBC that the revised proposal would allow athletes to recover 70 per cent of their prize money, although unsecured creditors might receive only around 15 per cent.

Hull was the only Australian who competed in all four GST events and is owed more than her fellow Aussies.

The Olympic silver medallist ensured herself $142,000 in prize money through her performances in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia, excluding her guaranteed base payment.

“I don’t believe Michael Johnson intended to deceive anyone for financial gain,” Hull’s father, Simon, stated in an interview with Wide World of Sports in December.

“It’s a flawed business model when you promise outcomes without having sufficient funds to back it. Clearly, there have been several missteps on his part.

“His aim was to cultivate growth within the sport and attract more viewers.

“I don’t think he started with ill intentions; it feels as though he’s gone from a celebrated American figure to someone accused of defrauding athletes.”

“It’s disheartening to see her not getting the money she is owed. She has performed numerous promotional activities for them.”

“However, if the funds aren’t there, they simply aren’t available.

“Participating in a new venture is a risk. You hope it materialises as promised, but sadly, that was not the case.”