Zharnel Hughes speaks out over unpaid Grand Slam Track prize money

Zharnel Hughes has warned athletes could take a wide berth of Grand Slam Track next year after admitting he is among those still waiting for prize money.

Michael Johnson’s breakaway competition was billed as transformative when it kicked off in Apri l by offering track stars the potential to earn unprecedented prize money. But after its fourth fixture in LA was scrapped for financial reasons, a host of athletes are still waiting to be paid.

Athletes were promised top prizes of $100,000 - with Brits Matt Hudson-Smith, in Jamaica and Philadelphia, and Josh Kerr, in Miami, landing first-place finishes. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe had admitted “this is not a good situation” with the governing body monitoring the situation.

Grand Slam have not commented but a number of agents have been given assurances that prize money will be sent by late September. And Hughes, who won $130,000 across three weekends, says he is among those left in limbo - though he has received appearance fees from the US-based league.

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“We haven’t got any payment yet,” Britain’s fastest man said. “My agent has been in contact with them. It’s not like I’m studying what’s going on but I know I’ve not received funds yet.

“I think the appearance fees have come through but in regards to the actual racing it hasn’t come through yet. I’m just looking to see if we get paid by August or September, hopefully it’s in the accounts by then.

“I think people enjoyed it but obviously now the payments have been delayed and they fell short by not having the last one people may be more hesitant to try out next season. We have to see how it goes next season.”

Hughes added “it kind of sucked” that Grand Slam did not bring one of their fixtures to the UK or Europe. Ticket sales for three events that went ahead fell well below expectations.

“Hopefully they can sort themselves out and if they do go again next season they can get some races in Europe,” Hughes said. “You won’t be worrying about having to fill up the stadiums.”

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