Diamond League CEO Petr Stastny has defended the global prominence of his event, highlighting its reach across 142 countries while subtly critiquing the Grand Slam Track League’s limited international presence. Stastny’s comments came as he acknowledged the rise of new competitions, including Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League and Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos, while reaffirming that the Diamond League remains the premier track and field series in the world.
Stastny pointed out that the Diamond League’s expansive schedule, which spans 15 events held on multiple continents, sets it apart from other leagues. Unlike Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League, which is focused solely on track events, the Diamond League also includes field events, further enhancing its appeal. The Diamond League’s broad global coverage, with participants from 142 countries, underscores its international nature and status as one of the largest and most inclusive track and field circuits.
In a direct comparison, Stastny noted that the Grand Slam Track League is currently limited to just four locations: one in Jamaica and three in the United States. This geographical restriction, he argued, prevents the Grand Slam Track League from being classified as a truly global event at this stage. For Stastny, the essence of being “global” is defined by the involvement of athletes from a wide range of countries, which the Diamond League has achieved.
“We are the backbone of the sport between the major championships, including the Olympics,” Stastny said. He went on to stress that the Diamond League’s reach and inclusion of both track and field disciplines provide a unique platform for athletes, setting it apart from other leagues. While acknowledging the emergence of new competitions in the track and field space, Stastny maintained confidence in the Diamond League’s supremacy in terms of both athlete participation and global presence.
Stastny also discussed the financial aspects of the two leagues, drawing attention to the substantial differences in prize money. The Grand Slam Track League offers higher payouts, with $100,000 for the winner of each event, and $50,000 and $30,000 for second and third places, respectively. By contrast, the Diamond League offers $10,000 for event winners in regular meets, and $30,000 for those who win the final. However, Stastny pointed out that the Diamond League has increased its prize money for winners in regular meets to $20,000, with $50,000 for winners at the final.
Despite the differences in prize funds, Stastny expressed no concern about the impact of these rival leagues on the Diamond League’s position in the sport. He welcomed the increased attention to track and field and viewed the rise of these new events as a sign of the sport’s growing appeal. Stastny emphasized that athletes who have excelled in the Diamond League over the past two years have found increased earning potential in these new leagues, which only contributes to the overall growth of the sport.
Looking ahead, the Diamond League is set to begin its season on April 26 in Xiamen, China, while the Grand Slam Track League will debut in Kingston, Jamaica, from April 4 to 6. With both leagues offering a platform for elite competition, Stastny remains confident that the Diamond League’s global reach, inclusive format, and long-established legacy will continue to make it the foremost event in the world of track and field.
