Unpaid Fees Leave Ofili, Other Stars in Limbo After Grand Slam Track Debut

Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Ofili and several other top-tier athletes may be facing financial disappointment following their participation in the inaugural Grand Slam Track series, as organisers have reportedly failed to pay promised prize money and appearance fees, Sport360 Nigeria has learnt.

Despite boasting a high-profile launch and attracting elite global talent, the maiden edition of the athletics competition has been marred by delays in disbursing payments, which are said to amount to millions of pounds. Sources reveal that some athletes have even escalated the matter to World Athletics in a bid to recover their dues.

Ofili competed in the second leg of the series, which took place in May at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida. The Louisiana State University athlete finished third in the women’s 100m with a time of 10.94 seconds, trailing Americans Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Tamari Davis. She also ran the 200m, finishing in fourth place.

The four-meet series kicked off in April in Kingston, Jamaica, followed by stops in Miramar and Philadelphia. However, the final event, originally scheduled to be held in Los Angeles from June 27 to 29, was abruptly cancelled. In a last-minute meeting, organisers informed athletes of the decision, citing low ticket sales and a shortfall in broadcast and sponsorship revenue as reasons for the cancellation.

According to a report by The Times, the financial uncertainty has left many athletes and their agents frustrated, with some yet to receive payments from the earlier meets in Kingston, Miramar, and Philadelphia. This prompted the Association of Athletics Managers to formally write to Grand Slam Track and hold a Zoom call with founder Michael Johnson last week.

While it is common for prize money to be withheld until anti-doping procedures are completed, athletes had expected their appearance fees to be settled much sooner. Organisers have since contacted athlete representatives to reassure them that payments will be made in due course.

The Grand Slam Track, founded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson, promised a total prize pool of $12.6 million (£9.2 million) for its first season. Athletes were offered appearance contracts worth up to $200,000 and up to $100,000 in prize money per meet — figures that helped attract big names to the series.

As the situation continues to unfold, affected athletes like Ofili are left hoping the competition’s high ideals will eventually be matched by its financial commitments.