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Olympic medalist Daryll Neita has mentioned the reasons behind her decision to join Michael Johnson’s groundbreaking Grand Slam Track league.
Two-time Olympic medalist Daryll Neita has made a confession on why she chose to join Michael Johnson’s revolutionary Grand Slam Track league, making history as the first British woman to sign up for the ambitious new athletics venture.
The 28-year-old sprinter, who clinched silver as part of the Great Britain 4x100m relay team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, described the opportunity as too exciting to pass up.
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Announced as part of the inaugural roster for the competition starting in April 2025, Neita joins a star-studded cast, including fellow Britons Josh Kerr and Matthew Hudson-Smith, along with global track icons like Kenya's Mary Moraa and Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser.
"I'm really excited to be the first British woman announced as joining Grand Slam Track, and can't wait to start racing in this fresh new league," said Neita.
"I love the concept and getting to race twice in a weekend is fun and exciting for all of us as racers. It’s an amazing opportunity to compete at the highest level in a whole new format that’s going to bring a lot of energy to the sport."
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For Neita, the Grand Slam Track offers not only an innovative competition structure but also a substantial financial incentive.
With a prize fund of $12.6 million spread across four annual events and a top prize of $100,000 for winners, the league aims to address long-standing concerns about the financial compensation of elite athletes.
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By signing with the league, Neita has positioned herself at the forefront of this exciting transformation in athletics.
"Money in athletics has been a big topic recently," Neita explained in an interview three days after the announcement.
"As athletes, we push ourselves to the limit, but the rewards often don’t reflect the risks we take or the dedication we give. Grand Slam Track feels like a game-changer in that respect. It’s not just about the money—it’s about being valued for what we bring to the sport."
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The format, which includes racing twice during a weekend at four global events, offers a dynamic experience for both athletes and fans.
Two of the events will be hosted in the United States, further cementing its international appeal. For Neita, this structure was another major draw.
"Being able to compete in a league where we face top competition consistently is a dream," she said.
"It sharpens us as athletes and keeps fans engaged in a way we haven’t seen before. Plus, it brings a fresh energy to athletics, which is something we need to attract new audiences."
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The league, spearheaded by American track legend Michael Johnson, reflects a broader shift in athletics to prioritize athlete compensation and entertainment value.
Johnson has been outspoken about the need for reform in the sport, emphasizing the risks athletes take to compete at the highest levels.
"The structure of the sport in the past has not compensated those athletes to take that risk to go and compete against the best athletes in the sport," Johnson said when launching the league in June.
"They deserve to be compensated."
With athletics undergoing a renaissance in terms of competition and prize money—highlighted by World Athletics' recent announcement of a $10 million prize fund for a new global championship starting in 2026—Grand Slam Track represents a bold step forward.
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For athletes like Neita, the league is not just an exciting opportunity; it is a platform that aligns with her vision for the future of track and field.
"Grand Slam Track is about innovation and respecting the athletes’ craft," Neita concluded.
"I’m proud to be part of this journey from the very start."
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