A new league gave track stars a financial cushion, and more uncertainty
Before Kenny Bednarek joined Grand Slam Track, he had become one of the most accomplished sprinters of his era. He won silver medals in the 200 meters at the past two Olympics. He reached the 100-meter final in Paris. Just seven men ever have run halfway around a track faster.
For all his achievements, it took the league started this year by Olympic legend Michael Johnson for Bednarek to reach a new level of financial stability. Bednarek dominated the series and earned $400,000 in prize money, already roughly double what he would make in a typical year. Even before this year's national and world championships, Bednarek set aside money for investments he could not have made in past years.
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