Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson will refund $500,000 he paid himself days before his Grand Slam Track league collapsed. The league held three events before folding in December 2025, leaving contracted runners unpaid despite promised lucrative prize money and salaries.

Johnson's spokesperson claims the payment was reimbursement of over $2m in personal expenses for the benefit of athletes. However, vendors have filed a legal claim in Delaware accusing Johnson of secretly paying himself just eight days before GST declared bankruptcy after final event cancellations.

The refund aims to benefit creditors in the company's reorganization efforts. Johnson had initially invested $2.25m into the business after a planned $40m investment from Eldridge Industries fell through. The repayment represents Johnson's attempt to resolve financial disputes while the league attempts to resurrect itself.