Thomas, Bednarek, and Hudson-Smith Take Jackpot Wins on Day Two in Kingston
The second day of the inaugural Grand Slam Track in Kingston delivered high-stakes finishes, fierce competition, and standout performances. While Salwa Eid Naser stole the show in the women’s 400m with a sub-49 clocking, it was Gabby Thomas who walked away with the $100,000 jackpot in the long sprint category. Across sprints, hurdles, and middle distances, Saturday’s action capped the weekend with drama, personal bests, and the crowning of the first-ever Grand Slam series winners.
Women’s 400m (Long Sprint Category):
Salwa Eid Naser, the 2019 world champion, clocked a blazing 48.67 to win the women’s 400m, breaking 49 seconds for the second time this season after her 48.94 at the Felix Sanchez Classic. Gabby Thomas, coming off a 200m win on day one, finished second in 49.14—enough to clinch the long sprint category jackpot of $100,000 based on her combined results. Olympic silver medallist Marileidy Paulino placed third in 49.35, ending her 14-race winning streak in the event.
Gabby Thomas: "I'm not sure I've ever been more tired in my life. I knew that it was going to be one of the hardest races of my life just because of the talent in the field."
Men’s 1500m:
Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Olympic 800m champion, stepped up in distance and shocked the field by winning in a personal best 3:35.18. He edged Olympic medallists Yared Nuguse (3:35.36) and Cole Hocker (3:35.52) in a tight finish. Wanyonyi improved on his previous PB of 3:43.19.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi: “The pace was slow, but I was confident that I would win the race. I came here for the win.”
Men’s 200m (Short Sprint Category):
Kenny Bednarek completed his sprint double with a 200m win in 20.06, following his 100m victory (10.07). His performances secured him the short sprint jackpot of $100,000. Zharnel Hughes (20.37) held off Fred Kerley (20.39) to take second.
Kenny Bednarek: "I got to pick up the ultimate prize. Everybody's getting paid and that's what we need in this work, no matter what the competition."
Men’s 200m (Long Sprint Category):
Matthew Hudson-Smith, the European 400m record holder, won a wind-hampered 200m in 20.77 (-3.3 m/s). His win, paired with a second-place finish in the 400m (44.65), earned him the long sprint jackpot. Jereem Richards (20.81) and Deandre Watkin (20.91) rounded out the top three.
Women’s 100m Hurdles:
Tia Jones took the win in 12.64 ahead of a tightly packed field. World champion Danielle Williams and Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn both clocked 12.70, with Ackera Nugent just behind at 12.75.
Women’s 100m:
Melissa Jefferson, Olympic bronze medallist, claimed the women’s 100m in 11.11. Jenna Prandini (11.23), Jacious Sears (11.25), and Daryll Neita (11.33) followed.
Men’s 110m Hurdles:
Dylan Beard won the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.29, narrowly beating Sasha Zhoya (13.34), Freddie Crittenden (13.35), and Daniel Roberts (13.35) in a tight finish.
Women’s 1500m:
Diribe Welteji of Ethiopia clocked 4:04.52 to win the 1500m and secure the top spot in the short distance category standings, building on her runner-up finish in the 800m.
