Dollars over Diamond: Gabby Thomas ditches prestigious League for Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track in 2025 race schedule

Triple Olympic champion Gabby Thomas will not be competing in the Diamond League circuit this season after ditching the renowned meets for Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track League in her 2025 race schedule.

Releasing her competition plans for the year, the American sprint queen will only compete at five professional meets before the USA Championships in July, and close off her season at the ATHLOS Grand Prix in New York on October 10.

Thomas will kick off her outdoor season at the Texas Relays this weekend (March 29), before heading for the GST first Slam in Kingston, Jamaica from April 4th - 6th.

She will also compete in the remaining Slams in Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles before the US Championships in June, and then the ultimate goal of challenging for her first world title at the Tokyo Championships in September.

From the race schedule, it means Thomas will not be competing at any Diamond League meet this season, which is surprising, considering it's considered the most competitive professional athletics competition.

However, it also proves Michael Johnson has done something right with his GST League with top track stars believing in the project despite being in its maiden season.

Some top track athletes registered for the GST League are: Olympic champions Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Masai Russell, Paris medallists Fred Kerley and Kenny Bednarek, as well as Jamaican sensations Ackera Nugent and Ackeem Blake.

Meanwhile, Thomas will compete in the short sprints (100m and 200m) against top athletes Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Brittany Brown, Favour Ofili, Jacious Sears, Tamara Clark, Alana Reid, and

The GST League created by four-time Olympic gold medalist Johnson, will feature four track meets - aka Slams, where signed Racers and appearing Challengers will compete head-to-head in two events over the two-day Slams.

Racers will receive base compensation for competing in each Slam and can earn additional prize money based on their performances. 96 total athletes (48 Racers and 48 Challengers) are expected to compete in each Grand Slam with a prize pot of $12.6 million and the category Slam winners will win $100,000.

This winning prize and its other benefits are double the Diamond League's $50,000, proving more top track stars signed to GST may toll Thomas' route of ditching the Diamond League this season.

While it remains big wins for the athletes involved and more competitions for bragging rights, the biggest winners will be track fans and enthusiasts who will be treated to more excitement of watching their favourite stars at both meets - a situation good for the visibility and growth of the sport.