Brazilian 400m hurdles star Alison dos Santos isn’t here to chase records just yet—but make no mistake, he’s here to compete. The 2022 world champion, one of only three men in history to dip under 47 seconds in the event, will line up in his season opener at the Grand Slam Track Series in Kingston on Friday. It’s his first time racing in Jamaica, and his presence adds significant weight to an already stacked meet at the National Stadium.
However, dos Santos is clear about the purpose of his early-season outing: build a base, sharpen race rhythm, and be ready when it matters most—at the World Championships later this year.
“Of course, we’re here to win and run fast and have a great time,” he told SportsMax.TV during a relaxed but focused sit-down at the AC Hotel on the eve of the meet. “But we know the World Championship is going to be really late this season, so we don’t want to burn everything out before we get there. We’re taking baby steps—improving step by step, doing the hurdles, getting sharper in races.”
The 24-year-old, who returned from knee surgery with a remarkable comeback in 2023, says the early part of his 2025 campaign is about consistency and patience. He isn’t making any bold predictions—just smart progress.
“We expect to run good (today) and on Sunday,” he said. “But I can’t promise I’ll run 46.2 or 47.0. It’s too early. We’re laying the groundwork for the rest of the season.”
Dos Santos will face off against a strong field in Kingston, including Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke, the World Championship finalist and national record holder who ran 47.34 in 2023—the second-fastest ever by a teenager.
The Brazilian is full of respect for Clarke and what he represents for the future of the event.
“What I see in Roshawn is the mindset of not backing down from a race,” dos Santos said. “He goes for it from the blocks. That energy is special. It’s exciting to see someone younger bringing that level of intensity. It gives me confidence that when guys like me and Karsten (Warholm) move on, the 400m hurdles will still be in great hands.”
Now a regular feature on podiums around the world, dos Santos says the arrival of the Grand Slam Track series is a welcome evolution in the sport—not just for exposure, but for opportunity.
“It’s a cool chance for us to compete more, earn more, and build new fan bases,” he said. “But we’ll still do Diamond Leagues. We want to balance both, show up where we’ve always competed and also support this new thing. It’s about respect and growth.”
Though he’s raced in nearly every major global city, Jamaica offers a new chapter—and the Olympic bronze medallist is already feeling at home.
“I like it here a lot,” he smiled while wearing a Reggae Boyz jersey. “The weather, the food, the people—everything is good. It’s my first time in Jamaica, and I’m really enjoying the experience.”
Whether or not the times are blazing this weekend, Alison dos Santos is playing the long game. And that game starts now.