American sprint legend on why athletics possesses bright future after years of neglect

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ATHLETICS American sprint legend on why athletics possesses bright future after years of neglect

Abigael Wafula 15:34 - 02.12.2023

American track and legend Michael Johnson has disclosed that there is a bright future for track and field considering athletes have started standing up for themselves.

American retired sprinter Michael Johnson has predicted that the professionalism of track and field will soon be taking its shape.

The four-time Olympic champion has for long lamented the lack of professionalism in the sport that has negatively impacted athletes.

He explained that, however, at the moment, athletes are beginning to stand up for themselves and this menace might soon come to an end.

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“Track is not very professional. Bad for athletes, but good for others. Recently some frustrated athletes are taking matters into their own hands.

"Days of federations, meet organizers, agents, and coaches benefitting from this lack of professionalism may be ending!” Johnson said on his X (Twitter) handle.

In the recent past, American track star Sha’Carri Richardson has not shied away from standing up for her rights, and at some point, she blasted the US Track and Field for ‘exploiting’ the country’s runners instead of helping them

“Track & Field is not like other sports, especially in America. The NBA and NFL have organizations to help their athletes, not exploit them.

"Y’all have no idea how many track athletes don’t even have a base salary, there are some athletes that literally sign contracts for clothes,” Richardson said in a past interview.

Triple World champion Noah Lyles has also called out the athletics management on several occasions.

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