In the world of track and field, where success is measured in fractions of a second, Alaysha Johnson is focused on a different kind of time: the future. The 28-year-old Olympic hurdler has emerged as a notable force both on and off the track, challenging long-standing norms in a sport often resistant to change. Johnson’s athletic credentials are impressive: she’s one of the fastest American women in the 100-meter hurdles, with a personal best of 12.36 seconds. But it’s her vision for the future of track and field that truly sets her apart. Throughout her career, Johnson has consistently demonstrated a commitment to using her platform to inspire change and innovation in the sport—a mission that has guided her unconventional journey from NCAA champion at the University of Oregon to Olympic contender, shaping a career that’s as much about breaking records as it is about breaking molds.
Johnson’s path to redefining track and field began with an unexpected decision after college. Rather than joining established track camps, she chose to train at House of Athlete, a facility primarily used by NFL and NBA players. This choice raised eyebrows in the track community, but for Johnson, it was a natural extension of her ethos. “I always want to be on the edge of innovation,” she shared in our recent interview. By adopting training methods from other high-performance sports, she has not only enhanced her own performance but also challenged the track and field community to reconsider its established practices.
This independent spirit came to the forefront at the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials. While her competitors wore uniforms emblazoned with big-name sponsors, Johnson stood out in borrowed shoes and a self-designed kit. “I’ve never ever worn a shoe company kit,” she states. “I consciously decided not to promote brands for free.” This move was more than a fashion statement; it was a calculated decision to maintain control over her image and brand in an industry where athlete independence is often compromised. Johnson believes that athletes should be fairly compensated for their promotional value, challenging the traditional model of athlete-sponsor relationships and suggesting a future where athletes have more control over their personal brands.
Johnson’s ambitions extend far beyond personal branding, as she reimagines the very structure of track and field. Her involvement with Athlos, a groundbreaking track event held in September 2024 in New York City, exemplifies her push for systemic change. Conceived by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Athlos offered unprecedented prize money of over $500,000, with individual event winners taking home $60,000 each. Featuring a performance by Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion, the event drew over 3 million viewers, surpassing average figures for WNBA and NWSL games and demonstrating the untapped potential of women’s track and field when given proper investment and platform. “Athlos is doing an amazing job at redefining what a track meet means,” Johnson says, praising the event’s revenue sharing and athlete care as steps toward a more sustainable ecosystem where track and field athletes can thrive.
For Johnson, the push for financial sustainability in track and field is deeply personal. Growing up, she experienced firsthand the challenges that come with pursuing athletic dreams. These early observations shaped her understanding of the financial tightrope most track and field athletes walk, relying on a patchwork of sponsorships, prize money, and appearance fees to make a living. “There has to be some way in which we can honestly take care of our athletes,” she insists. “In the NFL, you get paid whether you have a good game or not. Why can’t track and field operate the same way?”
Looking ahead, Johnson remains focused on creating new possibilities for future athletes. “You can be things that are not created yet,” she reflects. “You could be the person that has to go through things in order to help other people behind you be able to have a new path.” As track and field grapples with questions of sustainability, equity, and relevance in the modern sports landscape, Johnson’s vision for change extends far beyond her own career; she’s racing to reshape the sport for generations to come.
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