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Diamond League welcomes competition from rival Grand Slam Track


Published on 2025-03-28 23:45:26 - ESPN
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  • Diamond League CEO Petr Stastny is welcoming competition from Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson's new Grand Slam Track series, but issued a warning over looming 2025 calendar clashes that could hurt both athletes and organizers.

The Diamond League, a prestigious track and field series, is facing new competition from the Grand Slam Track, a proposed series backed by the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and World Athletics. This development comes as the Diamond League has been dealing with challenges such as the impact of the global health crisis, the absence of Russian athletes due to doping sanctions, and the rise of other sports like Formula 1 and LIV Golf which have attracted significant attention and investment. The Grand Slam Track aims to offer substantial prize money and a different format, potentially drawing top athletes away from the Diamond League. Despite these challenges, Diamond League CEO Petr Stastny views the competition positively, suggesting it could elevate the sport by providing more opportunities for athletes and enhancing the overall appeal of track and field. The Diamond League is also adapting by introducing innovations like a new points system and a final event in Brussels to maintain its competitive edge.

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