Johnson has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the sport of track and field through advocacy and innovations.
Olympian Alaysha Johnson is making waves in the world of track and field by advocating for better compensation for athletes, challenging long-standing norms.
The American hurdler has emerged as a leading voice for athlete welfare, emphasizing the need for greater prioritization of their needs.
In a recent interview with Forbes, Johnson discussed a pivotal career choice that has significantly contributed to monetizing her brand.
08:19 - 17.10.2024
'Apologize? For what?'- Journalist who asked Ruth Chepng'etich about doping claims breaks silence after Kenyan parliament demands apology
Kenyans, including Uasin Gishu MP Gladys Boss Shollei, criticized journalist Robert Johnson for questioning Ruth Chepng'etich's world record, with Shollei demanding an apology in parliament, while Johnson defended his inquiry as part of his job.
"I’ve never worn a shoe company kit," Johnson stated, highlighting her decision to distance herself from major brands at athletic events because she felt it didn’t provide her with any real value.
Her independent spirit was on full display at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, where she stood out in borrowed shoes and a self-designed kit.
"I consciously decided not to promote brands for free," she explained. This strategic move allowed her to maintain control over her image in an industry where athlete independence is often compromised.
Johnson firmly believes that athletes should be fairly compensated for their promotional efforts, challenging the traditional athlete-sponsor dynamic.
10:00 - 17.10.2024
Emmanuel Wanyonyi explains how he manages to get ahead of Marco Arop, Djamel Sedjati & Co in big races
Emmanuel Wanyonyi has opened up about how he intimidates his rivals including Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati before races, helping him maintain confidence and secure key wins, including at the Paris Olympic Games and Diamond League events.
She envisions a future where athletes have more control over their personal brands and financial outcomes.
Her call for better compensation reflects a broader concern for the financial sustainability of track and field athletes.
"There has to be some way we can honestly take care of our athletes. In the NFL, you get paid whether you have a good game or not. Why can't track and field operate the same way?" Johnson asserted.
Johnson also praised the recent women-only track and field event, Athlos, for its role in redefining the sport.
"Athlos is doing an amazing job at redefining what a track meet means," she said, referring to the groundbreaking event founded by Alexis Ohanian. Athlos celebrated female athletes, offering a total prize pool of over $500,000, with winners walking away with $60,000 each.