When the Grand Slam Track was launched earlier this month, it had but one goal-to shake the world of track and field. And with this, Michael Johnson promised high-stakes races, a massive $12.6 million prize purse, and head-to-head battles featuring Olympic stars; GST aimed to make track a year-round spectacle. But while the anticipation was there, its maiden run in Kingston, Jamaica, didn’t meet the expectations that people had. But it seems that Olympian and Gold medalist Rai Benjamin has his view on the whole event. So what did he say?

Well, for that, we might need to go back to Kingston, where the National Stadium was painted in the Jamaican green, gold, and black. But while the roster was star-studded, the same can’t be said about the stands. Not even half of the 35 thousand-plus seats were filled. To combat this, organizers had to give free admission for the next two days. But in Johnson’s own words, “Let’s be honest, we would have loved to have seen more spectators here.” But while Johnson is being optimistic, Rai Benjamin gave everyone a reality check.

On the Beyond The Records Podcast, along with Noah Lyles, Rai Benjamin, an American hurdler and sprinter, didn’t hold back on GST’s challenges. “You’re not selling out stands, or if you’re not… at least getting to 65, 70% capacity, then I just don’t see how over time, it’ll be a profitable model,” he said. Rai’s point hits hard: ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise are the lifeblood for sports leagues, and Kingston’s empty seats signal trouble.

He warned, “If you want to keep paying athletes $100,000… You’ve got to find some way to make this thing profitable, and I just don’t see it being profitable right now.” With GST’s model banking on TV deals (Peacock, The CW) and sponsorships, low attendance risks devaluing those partnerships. Can GST’s financial model withstand this early setback?

Beyond the empty seats, Rai zeroed in on GST’s scheduling woes. “It’s like you have this three-day meet, and a lot of people work jobs, like no one has time to go to a three-day meet in the middle of the week or on the weekend,” he noted. Kingston’s Friday start time clashed with Jamaica’s rush-hour gridlock, while Sunday’s noon races competed with local dinner plans.

Although Rai’s critique underscores a deeper fear: a short-lived league could harm the track’s progress. “If you’re creating this league under the premise of wanting to progress the sport, having a three- or five-year league isn’t going to progress the sport; it’s actually going to take us back.” GST has largely been a success, both for the athletes and fans. Rai’s statements against it have severely triggered the fans, and they are throwing it all out.

Fans Fire Back at Benjamin

Fans on X unleashed a torrent of frustration, urging Benjamin to stick to running. “Man, you need to mind your business as an athlete. Your focus should be on making money; how their business model operates shouldn’t be a concern for you,” one fan snapped. Another piled on: “That boy who says he didn’t ‘watch the grand slam’ really has a lot to say and is VERY critical.”

The sentiment is clear: Benjamin’s critique feels like a betrayal of a league trying to elevate track in America. Fans see GST as a revolution, with one declaring, “This is the first real American Pro Track League… it will for sure last forever if athletes like y’all start competing.” Can Benjamin’s words derail fan support? The heart of the backlash lies in Benjamin’s absence from GST’s roster.

Fans argue that stars like him could fill Kingston’s empty stands. “UHHHH, when the best of the best get off the high horse and actually participate, I’m sure the stands will be full,” one fan vented. Another was blunt: “Benjamin, you guys need to stop it with your negative criticism. How can the sport grow if athletes like you refuse to join and help support it?” 

With GST offering base salaries and massive prizes, fans see it as a golden opportunity. They believe GST’s success hinges on elite athletes committing, not critiquing. Will Benjamin and others step up? Fans acknowledge GST’s rocky start—grandstands under 50% full, forcing free admission for days two and three—but they’re pleading for patience. “It was also the first one… I just think it’s unfair for you to expect SOOO much out of something so new,” one supporter wrote.

Another praised GST’s potential: “GSL is an amazing concept for all athletes, and it’s here to stay. Michael and his team will learn from their mistakes.” Fans point to Johnson’s $30 million backing and TV deals with Peacock and The CW as proof of staying power. Yet, Benjamin’s call for collaboration with Athlos and the Diamond League stirred ire: “Advocating for MJ to collaborate… while also refusing to work with him… is beyond baffling,” a fan fumed. Can GST iron out its kinks?

Fans fear criticism from stars could scare off sponsors and viewers. “If you are the best, well, GSL is the way to go, period,” one insisted. Johnson’s open X feedback call, drawing 500+ replies, shows he’s listening. But with Benjamin’s voice carrying Olympic weight, his skepticism could sway others. Can fans’ passion convince athletes to rally behind GST? Rai Benjamin’s harsh words have lit a fire under GST’s fanbase, who see his criticism as a roadblock to the track’s renaissance.

While he raises valid concerns about attendance and longevity, fans counter that athlete participation is the key to packed stands and a lasting league. As GST heads to Miami’s 5,000-seat venue, all eyes are on whether stars like Benjamin will join the movement or stay on the sidelines. Will GST prove the haters wrong and cement its place as track’s future, or will fan frustration with naysayers like Benjamin fade if the league falters?