Athletes promised hundreds of kilos in funds for collaborating in Grand Slam Monitor occasions are nonetheless ready for his or her cash, regardless of organisers saying that they had all been paid.
Brokers and sports-management corporations informed BBC Sport athletes are but to obtain cash they’re owed, regardless of GST founder Michael Johnson saying he had “acquired the athletes paid” after a “catastrophic capital subject” attributable to traders pulling out.
4-time former Olympic champion Johnson launched GST in 2025 with the promise of profitable prize cash and salaries.
Initially scheduled for 4 marquee meets, the ultimate occasion in Los Angeles was cancelled and organisers voluntarily filed for chapter within the US in December.
In an interview in the Telegraph, exterior on Saturday, Johnson admitted that as GST bumped into monetary bother, he used his personal bank card to buy athlete flights and resort rooms.
The 58-year-old mentioned he was harm by accusations he “secretly” paid himself $500,000 (£375,000) days earlier than the season collapsed – a declare a GST consultant mentioned on the time was “unfounded and false”.
“I am glad to clear it up, as a result of it is probably the most hurtful factor and the precise reverse of what was reported,” Johnson informed The Telegraph.
“Our bank card was full at Grand Slam Monitor, as a result of we have been going through important cash-flow points.
“I instructed our journey group to place it on my bank card, and I might be reimbursed for it. So, what I acquired was reimbursement.”
However Johnson’s declare those that have been owed cash by GST had acquired it was untimely.
An organization appearing on behalf of athletes mentioned that they had not acquired any funds, nor had they been contacted to be informed once they have been due.
Johnson’s representatives conceded the cash had not but reached the athletes and mentioned the American had not deliberately got down to deceive folks by saying it had.
It’s understood the reported $11m (£8.1m) owed to collectors – together with athletes – is being held by a 3rd get together.
BBC Sport has contacted the American agency believed to be holding the cash however it’s but to reply. It’s unclear how lengthy it’ll take to pay the athletes.
A number of high-profile athletes have been owed funds of greater than £100,000, together with British former world 1500m champion Josh Kerr and Olympic 400m silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith.
Johnson has been a pundit and commentator for the BBC since 2001 however has not labored for the broadcaster because the 2024 Olympics as he targeted his consideration on GST.
