Kenny Bednarek hasn't given up hope on Grand Slam Track. Despite the running startup filing for bankruptcy in December 2025 after just one season, the two-time Olympic silver medalist still believes in its potential.

Bednarek was among three athletes who wrote letters supporting Grand Slam's financial recovery plan. He'd be open to racing in the U.S.-based league again if it returns, saying it gave track athletes a rare chance to build their brand on home soil.

"We don't really have something here in the U.S. to really tap into the American market," Bednarek told Front Office Sports. "Most people don't know who you are unless you transcended the sport. So I thought Grand Slam was a good opportunity to get more eyes on us in the U.S."

Grand Slam Track lured runners like Bednarek with base salaries and record-breaking prize money promises. But the league couldn't deliver, failing to pay athletes and collapsing throughout 2025. Bednarek was named Grand Slam's male "Racer of the Year" after sweeping the "short sprints" category at the first three stops—earning $100,000 per win—before the final event was canceled.

Court documents reveal the league owed Bednarek $195,000 as of February 2026. Under a recently approved bankruptcy settlement, athletes will receive about 70% of what they're owed.

The league was Olympic legend Michael Johnson's bold attempt to challenge the European-dominated Diamond League and bring more elite racing to the U.S. While Bednarek enjoys traveling internationally for Diamond League meets, he believes Grand Slam's U.S.-focused format made it easier for athletes to share their personal stories—including his own journey as an adopted child who ran at a junior college.

"With obviously the people running fast and all that, there'd be more interest in the U.S.," Bednarek said. "When you generate more interest in our sport, then that gives us more opportunity as athletes to get more sponsors, more money and just help grow the sport."