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Fans have expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson from the Grand Slam Track roster.
If Michael Johnson was hoping to unite the track and field world with his ambitious Grand Slam Track (GST) event, he may have underestimated just how fiercely fans would rally behind their favorite athletes.
The announcement of the official 48-athlete roster for the 2025 GST has sparked an emotional outcry, especially with the glaring omissions of two of the sport’s brightest stars—Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson.
Track and field fans had eagerly anticipated the final list of athletes for the inaugural GST season, slated for April through June 2025 in Miami, Kingston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
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While names like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, and Masai Russell were among the confirmed athletes, the exclusion of Lyles and Richardson, two of the sport’s most popular and successful figures, has left a significant void in the hearts of fans.
“No Noah, Sha’Carri, Shelly, Shericka, Talou, Christian, Dina, or Kishane SMH,” one fan posted.
Lyles, the reigning world champion in the 200 meters, and Richardson, a dominant force in the women’s 100 meters, have garnered massive followings over the years, both for their athletic prowess and vibrant personalities.
Their absence from the GST roster has sparked disbelief among fans who feel that such marquee names should have been included.
Even more pointedly, a sarcastic comment, “Will it be televised? Larry and Noah Lyles want to know,” pointed to the widespread uncertainty surrounding GST’s media coverage.
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Lyles, for his part, has expressed his concerns about the lack of a major broadcasting deal, a factor that led him to distance himself from the event.
Fans are left wondering if GST will have the kind of widespread media presence necessary to elevate the sport and reach a global audience.
Johnson, in a bid to calm these fears, stated, “We will certainly embrace all forms of media—traditional and new."
However, without a clear and concrete broadcasting plan, the event risks not only alienating its fanbase but also reducing its overall impact.
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The backlash over Lyles and Richardson’s exclusion has been coupled with criticisms of the event's structure.
Some fans have labeled GST as elitist, a sentiment that stems from the high-profile athletes involved and the absence of those who resonate most with the broader track and field community.
“Won’t be watching that elitist trash meet 🗑️🚮,” one user commented, calling attention to the perceived disconnect between the event’s aspirations and the reality of its inclusivity.
But while the fans have been vocal in their disappointment, there’s still hope that GST will deliver on its promise of creating a “unified stage where talent thrives and the sport gets its much-deserved recognition,” as Johnson himself has said.
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10:00 - 20.12.2024
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The legendary athlete’s goal has always been to elevate the sport of track and field, but it’s clear that in doing so, he must contend with a passionate fanbase that is not afraid to speak up when their beloved athletes are left out.
In addition to the frustrations over the athlete roster, GST’s timing also presents a significant challenge.
The event’s final destination, Los Angeles, is set to host its meet from June 27-29, coinciding with the NYC Grand Prix, one of the biggest pro-track meets in the United States.
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06:30 - 20.12.2024
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Johnson continues to push forward with his vision for GST, even in the face of mounting pressure and a skeptical public.
“I am going to save what I think I can save; I think I can save track, but I don’t think I can save track and field,” said Johnson.
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