)
The Nigerian-born American sprinter has landed a full-time role at Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track league a day after announcing her retirement.
Former Olympic champion Morolake Akinosun has landed a managerial job at Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League after announcing her retirement from competitive athletics.
In an exclusive interview with Citius Mag, the Nigerian-born American sprinter explained that she first worked as a consultant before going full-time with the track league after the Paris Olympic Games.
However, her new appointment was not made public until after she announced her retirement. The former world champion disclosed that she knew she was done competing after the US Olympic trials. After that, she had a conversation with the four-time Olympic champion and Steve Gera to discuss how she would impact the Grand Slam Track.
)
06:11 - 12.09.2024
Mark Otieno reveals how Tyson Gay, Justin Gatlin & Co motivated his return
Mark Otieno has opened up about how watching Tyson Gay, Justin Gatlin, and others who were suspended before, motivated him to bounce back strongly after serving his doping ban.
“Fast forward a month and I was headed to Paris with Grand Slam Track to work with them as a consultant. The day I got back from Paris, I went full-time with Grand Slam Track,” she said.
She expressed excitement about having a chance to work with the legendary Johnson, noting that the American legend will revolutionize track competitions. Akinosun was quick to note that being part of such a wave was a dream come true for her.
“It will create what track has been needing in the US and the world for so long. It will give track athletes a meet to call their own. It will give them a sense of belonging and ownership. I think it will be the biggest game changer we've seen in track for a very, very long time. It will be the future of track that people don't necessarily see yet, but they will,” she said.
“I'm so excited to be a part of the moving ship of shifting momentum to see the sport that I've loved my entire life grow, and be a part of that growth, even though I won’t physically be running in it. Regardless, everyone has to move on from competition at some point in life, but to still be able to be on board with the change right away is incredible,” she added.
She expressed awe at Johnson’s love for the project and how he is always involved in every aspect and wants to ensure every athlete enjoys the experience. Akinosun added that she is lucky to have met her hero and work with him.
“I am very fortunate to have met a lot of my heroes growing up in the sport of track and getting the opportunity to meet and know them, Michael Johnson being one of them. He's one of those people where you meet him and then like him even more afterwards. Sometimes you meet a person that you look up to and they kind of let you down expectation-wise. He didn't do that,” she added.
)
16:00 - 11.09.2024
'Taking my spikes off for the final time' – American sprinter Morolake Akinosun announces retirement at 30
Olympic gold medalist Morolake Akinosun announces her retirement at 30 after an illustrious career in track and field.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)