'We need to take care of our athletes'- Olympian Alaysha Johnson calls for better pay for track & field

'We need to take care of our athletes'- Olympian Alaysha Johnson calls for better pay for track & field

Stephen Awino 11:54 - 17.10.2024

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.

"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.

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.