London (AFP) – Britain’s Josh Kerr is “frustrated” by the six-figure sum owed to him by US athletics great Michael Johnson’s failed Grand Slam Track project but still believes those behind it are “good people” who got themselves in a “horrible situation”.
Grand Slam Track curtailed its inaugural 2025 season and then filed for bankruptcy in December, with millions collectively owed to athletes including Scottish two-time world champion Kerr – who has submitted a claim for $218,750 (£164,150). A court filing by vendors earlier this month also claimed four-time Olympic champion Johnson was secretly paid $500,000 when he was aware vendors and creditors would be owed – accusations representatives for the project have reportedly denied.
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“Of course I’m frustrated,” said Kerr. “I’m owed a lot of money, so in any business anyone’s going to be frustrated. I don’t particularly know right now where to push those frustrations and where they should sit.”
“I’ve had conversations with Michael, I’ve had information given to me by my agents on this stuff. I don’t think these are bad people. I think this is a horrible situation.”
Kerr, 28, has recovered from the calf tear he sustained during last year’s 1,500m final at the World Athletics Championships in Japan. This week in Poland, the 2023 world 1,500m champion will look to reclaim the world indoor 3,000m title he won on home Scottish soil in Glasgow two years ago, after injury and illness prevented the Edinburgh athlete from defending it last year.
“I believe I am the best athlete in the world at these distances,” said Kerr. “There’s no one in the world who can convince me otherwise.”
© 2024 AFP
