Fast Times and Big Wins at the Inaugural Grand Slam Track Series in Kingston
The Grand Slam Track series made its much-anticipated debut in Kingston, Jamaica, from April 4–6, delivering standout performances and world-leading times. The three-day event attracted top-tier international athletes and rising stars, all vying for early-season dominance and a shot at the $100,000 prize for the best combined results in selected events. Here's a breakdown of the biggest moments from a stacked opening weekend.
Men’s 400m Hurdles:
World champion Alison Dos Santos looked sharp, taking the win in a world-leading 47.61. Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke, the world U20 record holder, claimed second in 48.20. Former NCAA champ Caleb Dean was third (48.59), just ahead of Jamaican national champion Malik James King (48.69).
Dos Santos: “It was an amazing race. I’m pretty happy with the win and looking forward to the 400 metres on Sunday. Clocking 47.61 to start the season is a great sign.”
Women’s 400m Hurdles:
Olympic champion and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opened her season with a commanding win in 52.76, the fastest time in the world this year. Dalilah Muhammad, in her final season, ran 54.59 for second. Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton rounded out the top three in 55.02. McLaughlin-Levrone now leads the race for the $100,000 prize for combined 400m and 400m hurdles results.
McLaughlin-Levrone: “The first race of the season always hurts, but the crowd’s energy was electrifying. That helped me run fast.”
Women’s 800m:
US 1500m champion Nikki Hiltz surprised the field with a world-leading 1:58.23, edging Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji (1:59.29) and Australia’s Jessica Hull, who set a PB of 1:58.58. Jamaican favorite Natoya Goule Toppin was sixth in a season’s best 1:59.78. World champ Mary Moraa of Kenya finished eighth in 2:00.97.
Women’s 200m:
Gabby Thomas, a triple Olympic medalist, won the first Grand Slam Track women’s 200m title in 22.62 (-0.2 m/s). Marileidy Paulino, Olympic and world 400m champion, was second (22.93), ahead of 2019 world champion Dina Asher-Smith (22.96) and Barhein’s Salwa Eid Naser (22.99).
Thomas: “The stakes at these meets are high. Normally early-season meets are about shaking off rust, but here, the competition and prize money make it intense—and that’s great for our sport.”
Men’s 400m:
Fresh off his world indoor title, Chris Bailey continued his strong form with a world-leading 44.34 win. European record holder Matthew Hudson-Smith took second in 44.65, while Vernon Norwood finished third in 44.70.
Bailey: “It was a pretty good race. I’m excited for the 200 metres tomorrow.”
Men’s 100m:
Kenny Bednarek overcame a poor start to win in 10.07 (-1.3 m/s), narrowly beating Jamaica’s Oblique Seville (10.08) in a photo finish. Zharnel Hughes and Ackeem Blake both clocked 10.13, with Hughes edging it for third.
Bednarek: “My starts have improved, but it didn’t show today. Still, a win is a win.”
Women’s 3000m:
Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye dominated with a world-leading 8:28.42—also the fastest time ever run on Jamaican soil. Agnes Ngetich set a PB of 8:28.75 for second, and Tsigie Gebrselama took third in 8:38.15.
Men’s 5000m:
Grant Fisher closed with a blistering 51.6 final lap to win a tactical race in 14:39.14. Cooper Teare (14:39.31), Dylan Jacobs (14:39.56), and Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet (14:40.20) followed.
Fisher: “We were jogging most of the race, so I was fresh at the end. I felt confident. If I wasn’t, I would’ve taken it out earlier.”
The inaugural Grand Slam Track series in Kingston not only showcased exceptional athletic performances but also marked a pivotal moment in track and field. Conceived by Olympic legend Michael Johnson, this innovative league aims to revitalize the sport by emphasizing head-to-head competition and offering substantial prize money, with a total pool of $12.6 million. Despite the high-caliber talent and groundbreaking format, the event faced challenges, notably lower-than-expected attendance at Kingston's National Stadium. Nonetheless, the series has set a new benchmark in athletics, promising to enhance the sport's profile and engagement in future meets.
