Grand Slam Track, the racing league that recently declared bankruptcy, owes significant amounts to several Olympic medalists, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, and four others. The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy again this week and disclosed its top 20 creditors, with McLaughlin-Levrone being owed $365,250 US, ranking fifth on the list.
Among the other athletes owed substantial sums are Kenny Bednarek, Josh Kerr, Marileidy Paulino, and Alison Dos Santos. Dos Santos and Jefferson-Wooden are each owed $190,625, while the remaining athletes are owed amounts ranging from $211,000 to $250,000.
In a revised filing, Grand Slam Track adjusted its estimated assets to be between $1 million and $10 million, a significant increase from the initial claim of less than $50,000. The league stated that it is in debt to between 200 and 999 creditors, with the largest amount, $3.036 million, owed to Momentum-CHP Partnership, a joint venture responsible for the league’s TV productions.
Despite the bankruptcy announcement, Grand Slam Track expressed optimism about its future, mentioning plans to potentially return for upcoming seasons and explore new ventures. The league, founded by Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, had recruited athletes who received salaries, appearance fees, and competed for prize money across a four-event circuit. However, the season was cut short when the final event in Los Angeles was abruptly canceled.