In a fiery and emotional reaction that has sent shockwaves across the athletics world, Bob Kersee, renowned coach of Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, has spoken out in no uncertain terms against the abrupt cancellation of the Los Angeles leg of the Michael Johnson Grand Slam Track Series. The cancellation of this highly anticipated fourth and final event has sparked major controversy, especially given the prestige and prize money involved.
McLaughlin-Levrone, the world-record holder in the women’s 400m hurdles, was the face of the Grand Slam series. She starred in all three completed legs — Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia — drawing fans and media attention with her electrifying performances. The LA leg was set to be a grand finale, but with its last-minute cancellation, questions are now swirling around the future of the entire event.
“Our athletes are world-class. They train hard and deserve better,” said Kersee, taking to Instagram to deliver a searing critique of the situation. “The Grand Slam brand is still very promising, but today, seasons and careers are impacted.”
Kersee’s impassioned remarks come after Michael Johnson, the legendary sprinter and mastermind behind the Grand Slam Track initiative, announced the decision to scrap the LA event just weeks before it was set to take place. In a carefully worded press release, Johnson tried to justify the decision as a necessary evil for the long-term health of the league.
“As we’ve said all along, we were going to have learnings, adjust, and continue to improve. Sometimes we have to make moves that aren’t comfortable, but what’s most important is the future and sustainability of the league,” said Johnson. He further cited financial pressures, saying, “The global economic landscape has shifted dramatically in the past year, and this business decision has been made to ensure our long-term stability as the world’s premier track league.”
But Kersee was having none of it. The veteran coach, who has guided numerous Olympic and World Champions, including McLaughlin-Levrone, did not hold back.
“I’m calling on athletes (past or present), coaches, athletic brands, and corporate partners to step up! We need leaders who will commit to sustainable investment in our sport. Our world-class athletes deserve a world-class organisation and commitment to match,” he declared.
For many, this controversy highlights a recurring problem in the track and field world — flashy promises from event organizers that ultimately fizzle out when things get tough. Kersee pointed out that the sport is repeatedly let down by those at the helm, who lack the consistency and vision to build enduring platforms.
The stakes were certainly high. Each Grand Slam event came with substantial prize money, with $100,000 earmarked for winners, and even eighth-place finishers walking away with $10,000. For athletes whose incomes often rely on prize money and endorsements, the cancellation was more than just a scheduling hiccup — it was a financial and professional blow.
Track enthusiasts and fellow athletes have begun to rally behind Kersee and McLaughlin-Levrone, sharing frustration over how elite talent is frequently sidelined by disorganized management. Many feel that such sudden disruptions only add to the challenge of maintaining professional careers in a sport already underfunded compared to other major athletic disciplines.
As the fallout from the LA Grand Slam cancellation continues, one thing is crystal clear: Kersee has ignited a necessary and overdue conversation about the need for better treatment of the world’s top athletes. Whether or not Johnson and the Grand Slam Track series can recover from this misstep remains to be seen — but the call for accountability has now gone global.