Jessica Hull’s impressive performance at the Paris Olympics, where she secured a silver medal in the 1500 metres, has ignited a passion for athletics among many Australian youngsters, enticing them to consider running as a viable path over other popular sports like AFLW, NRLW, football, and cricket. Eight months later, Hull is looking forward to launching her professional career in the inaugural Grand Slam Track league, which promises significant financial rewards and aims to elevate the sport’s profile.
Out of a competitive field of 96 athletes, Hull is the only Australian participant in this lucrative league, initiated by renowned American sprinter Michael Johnson and featuring a staggering prize pool of US$12.6 million (approximately A$20 million). Besides competing for bonuses, Hull is among 48 athletes with an annual salary.
The league includes four three-day Grand Slam events starting with the first in Kingston, Jamaica, set to begin this Saturday (AEST). Hull will compete in the women’s short-distance category, racing the 800m and 1500m events throughout the series taking place in various cities including Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
Regrettably, Australian fans were disappointed when it was announced that the Grand Slam Track would not be broadcast in Australia. Hull expressed her surprise but remains optimistic that her involvement in this high-stakes league will boost interest in athletics, especially as Australia prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Games. She believes the professional setup allows athletes to focus on performance without financial worries, which is crucial for nurturing the next generation of talent.
Hull is open to guiding aspiring athletes, particularly those interested in U.S. collegiate athletics, following her experience at the University of Oregon. Each Grand Slam event awards US$100,000 (A$158,000) to winners in six categories, with athletes earning between US$10,000 to US$100,000 based on their performance. The Grand Slam Track offers the largest prize money in athletics history, aiming to incentivise participation.
The significant investment signifies a positive shift for young athletes, allowing them to aspire to an elite running career similar to Hull’s, instead of being drawn to mainstream sports figures in Australia. Mark Arbib, the new CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee, acknowledged the challenge of attracting young talent to Olympic sports, emphasising the importance of encouraging children and their parents to engage with different athletic pursuits.
Hull, the first Australian distance runner to achieve an Olympic medal since Ralph Doubell in 1968, hopes to inspire future generations to appreciate the honour of competing in home soil during the upcoming Olympics. As she prepares for the chance to compete in Brisbane, Hull anticipates significant support and energy from Australian fans, envisioning a bright future for athletics in the country.