Akani Simbine has joined Noah Lyles, Rai Benjamin, and others in rejecting the Grand Slam Track League, citing concerns over its structure and logistics.
Simbine pointed out that the event is heavily centered around the United States, with three out of its four legs taking place there. This setup, he argued, places non-US athletes at a disadvantage due to the excessive travel and financial costs associated with frequent transatlantic trips.
The newly-crowned world indoor 60m bronze medallist expressed that the continuous travel between South Africa and the United States would be both exhausting and expensive. Additionally, his coach, Werner Prinsloo, is not keen on such extensive travel, further influencing his decision to opt out of the league.
While Simbine acknowledged that the prize money offered by the Grand Slam Track League was attractive, he emphasized the need for a more globally inclusive approach. Expanding the event to different continents, he argued, would create a fairer playing field for athletes worldwide rather than favoring those based in the United States.
“It’s a long journey to America, and it’s far too difficult for us to constantly make that trip. I would rather focus on competitions in Europe and Asia because if I commit to China, I then have to return to the United States, which is too much traveling. My coach isn’t interested in that much travel either,” Simbine explained in an interview.
He added, “We decided to stick to the usual competition circuit. The issue with the Grand Slam Track League is that it’s mainly American-based. If we participated, we would have to stay in America for two or three months. Who is going to cover those costs? It’s simply not feasible for us. If the event moved around the world, it would be a great opportunity.”
Noah Lyles and Rai Benjamin also voiced their concerns about the league, particularly regarding its broadcast agreements. In response, Michael Johnson, the event’s organizer, has since announced multiple broadcast partnerships to address these concerns.
Benjamin, in particular, noted that the 2025 season is already packed with events leading up to the World Championships. He explained that he is not looking to overextend himself, and the Grand Slam Track League does not align with his current competition strategy.
Simbine also reflected on his experience at the World Indoor Championships, where he secured a bronze medal. He admitted that he is not known for his strong starts in races but took on the challenge and was ultimately rewarded for his efforts.
“It’s incredibly difficult knowing that you must be as aggressive, fast, and quick at the start because if you aren’t, the race is over before you know it,” Simbine said.
Despite the challenge, he expressed immense pride in his achievement. “A world medal is a world medal, and having it to my name is significant. This competition was unfamiliar territory for me, but I managed to secure a medal. It’s an important milestone in my career, and I hope this success propels me forward.”
Looking ahead, Simbine will now shift his focus to the outdoor season. His immediate targets are the two Diamond League Meetings in China Xiamen and Suzhou before finalizing his plans for the rest of the season. He aims to build momentum leading up to the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, set to take place in September.
