Daryll Neita sharply criticizes the Grand Slam Track for unfulfilled promises

British sprinter Daryll Neita has hit out at the Grand Slam track and field circuit for failing to pay athletes their salaries on time, as promised before the start of the tournament.

Daryll Neita has given the clearest signal yet that the Grand Slam track and field circuit was in financial trouble even before its first event in April this year.

The circuit, founded by American sprinting legend Michael Johnson with the ambition of changing track and field, ran into problems soon after its launch and failed to even complete its first year’s schedule. The tournament held races in Kingston in April, followed by Miami and Philadelphia in May. However, the final round in Los Angeles in June was surprisingly cancelled, with a lack of funds later revealed as the reason.

An investigation by The Athletic last week revealed that the athletics Grand Slam knew of a financial shortfall before the Kingston round after a key investor defaulted on a payment. However, athletes were assured that everything was fine. Now Michael Johnson is struggling to salvage his reputation as athletes remain unpaid and face legal action.

“I arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday, so excited for the season opener in Kingston… Oh my God, let’s get this money from the Grand Slam”, said Daryll Neita. “Honey, there was no money (laughs again), there was no money”, added she

Daryll Neita’s words suggest that the athletics Grand Slam has failed to live up to its end of the bargain since the first round, which is consistent with the latest reports in the case.

Michael Johnson and his team continue to reassure the athletes, but so far no funds have been transferred, except for the first-round participation fees in Kingston.