Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has addressed athlete payments following Grand Slam Track's bankruptcy. The competition collapsed in December 2025 after investors withdrew, leaving debts over $30m ($22.5m). High-profile athletes like Josh Kerr and Matthew Hudson-Smith were owed £100,000+ each.

Johnson confirmed he received reimbursement for personal credit card use to fund travel and accommodations for 96 athletes and 170 others in Miami and Philadelphia, stating, 'Our credit card was full.' He also loaned the company $2m and forgoed his salary. Creditors accused him of secretly paying himself $500,000 pre-collapse, which he denied, calling it 'unfounded.' Johnson expressed guilt, saying he questioned his integrity during sleepless nights. He committed to repaying the disputed amount.

Johnson, a BBC commentator since 2001, stepped away from broadcasting post-Paris 2024 to focus on GST.