Boats down the Seine, B-boys at the Place de la Concorde and the lure of cold, hard cash promise to make the Paris 2024 Olympics, which get underway in 100 days’ time in the French capital, a Games like none before.
If traditionalists were already blanching at audacious plans to rip up over a century of opening ceremony traditions, let alone welcoming the sport of breaking into the Olympic fray, they will have been white-eyed with fury at the announcement that track and field stars will each pocket a USD50,000 bonus.
After the relative sterility of a delayed and Covid-stricken Tokyo 2020, the French capital, as well as the individual sports on an ever-growing and potentially tenuous programme, is preparing to pull out all the stops.
The Games will start on July 26 with the first opening ceremony to be staged outside a stadium, each national delegation instead sent bobbling 6km down the city’s major artery before disembarking in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Two weeks later, windmills, freezers and top rocks will become an official part of the Olympic lexicon for the first time as breaking makes its debut, B-boys and B-girls going head-to-head in DJ-driven battles.
If its inclusion is not quite as contentious as the appearance of live pigeon shooting on the programme for the first Paris Olympics in 1900, it has raised some questions about the IOC’s almost obsessional commitment towards attracting the attention of global youth.
Breaking joins other recently established sports like skateboarding, surfing and BMXing in the so-called ‘urban’ section of a constantly evolving Olympic programme, and one for which it would appear a city like Paris is ideally suited.
For Team GB, now led by the likes of 15-year-old Sky Brown, keen to build on her history-making skateboarding bronze in Tokyo, there is a sense of similar upheaval, as a generation of new stars emerge and begin to eclipse the established order.
There will be no Laura Kenny to light up the Velodrome, while in contrast to their dominant pre-Tokyo preparations, question-marks hang over the ability of the likes of Adam Peaty and Max Whitlock to retain their respective titles.
Nevertheless, Tom Dean, Keely Hodgkinson, Tom Daley, Beth Shriever and Emily Campbell will expect to return to the podium at the head of a squad that looks more than capable of resuming its top three status in the final medals table.
Dean and his closest revival Duncan Scott continued a stunning surge to prominence by the British swimming team – kick-started by Peaty’s heroics in Rio – while Daley and Matty Lee underscored a wave of promise for Team GB in the water.
Hodgkinson’s ongoing battle to avoid another silver lining against rivals Athing Mu and Mary Moraa will generate top billing on the track, where double world champion Josh Kerr resumes his mouthwatering rivalry with Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
The international narrative will inevitably be headed by Simone Biles, hoping to add to her current haul of seven Olympic medals after recovering from a psychological phenomenon known as the ‘twisties’ which restricted her success in Tokyo to a solitary – if heroic – bronze on the beam.
Meanwhile French hopes do not come any bigger – literally – than judo heavyweight Teddy Riner, who boasts three Olympic golds and 11 world titles, and bids to cap his extraordinary career with another victory on home soil.
All of which will be played out in front of the welcome sight of sold-out grandstands, a world away from the bare bleachers in Tokyo, and a symbol, or so the IOC would like to see it, of the Games having weathered one of the most serious storms in its history.
It is perhaps that new-found consciousness of the need to adapt that has pushed the IOC into making more aggressive changes, be it in future bidding processes or in urging the b-boys and b-girls off the streets and into the Olympic auditorium for the first time.
The Olympic movement has evolved unthinkably since that first Paris Games 124 years ago, when resolutely amateur pursuits like angling, ballooning and croquet were also on the programme, the latter reportedly staged in front of a single paying spectator.
Some might say the latest changes are a step too far. But after the turmoil of Tokyo, most of those fortunate enough to be present in Paris will just be grateful that the Olympics are back, and braced to bop to any kind of beat at all.
France 37-23 Argentina: Les Bleus wrap up campaign with third win
France posted a comfortable 37-23 win over Argentina on Friday to make it three wins out of three tests at the Stade de France to conclude their Autumn Nations Series.
Having also beaten New Zealand and Japan in Paris this month, Fabien Galthie's side claimed four tries, including a superb solo effort from Louis Bielle-Biarrey, as they eased to victory against the Pumas.
The hosts led 30-9 at the break after Argentina's Julian Montoya and Juan Martin Gonzalez were both shown yellow cards in the first half, with Thomas Ramos slotting his third penalty of the game.
Tomas Albornoz made it 30-16 for Felipe Contepomi's visitors, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed as Bielle-Biarrey scored his fourth try in three games before Ramos made it 37-16.
Albornoz then cut the deficit to 37-23 with a two-pointer with nine minutes to play, but that wasn't enough to stop his side from falling to a defeat.
"We knew it was going to be an 80-minute game. We saw last week how Argentina went all the way against a good Irish team," France lock Emmanuel Meafou told TNT Sports.
"We are happy with the win. We have three from three [in the autumn] and we will look to build on that in the Six Nations next year."
GRAND SLAM TRACK™ announces signings of Nozomi Tanaka, Elise Cranny, Daryll Neita, Mary Moraa, and Salwa Eid Naser
Grand Slam Track™, the new global stage for elite track competition founded by four-time US Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, today announced the signings of Nozomi Tanaka, Elise Cranny, Daryll Neita, Mary Moraa, and Salwa Eid Naser. Representing Japan, the United States, Great Britain, Kenya, and Bahrain, respectively, these accomplished Racers will compete in all four Slam events during the league's inaugural season in 2025. These signings highlight Grand Slam Track™’s dedication to assembling a world-class roster of talent from across the globe that will electrify fans in the upcoming season.
“Grand Slam Track™ continues to build momentum as we get closer to our inaugural 2025 season,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “The attention and recognition this league is gaining is incredible, and it continues to be clear that the best in the world want to be a part of it, as you can see from this group of women we have announced today. As we continue to bring in top-tier talent from across the globe, this platform is becoming the premier stage for athletes to showcase their speed. With each new addition, we’re raising the bar and creating something truly special - a Festival of Speed - for fans to enjoy when the season kicks off in Kingston in April.”
Nozomi Tanaka is a Japanese middle and long-distance runner, holding national records in the 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m. She competed in both the 1500m and 5000m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She holds personal bests of 3:59.19 and 14:29.18 in those events, respectively. Tanaka has won nine national titles across the 1500m and 5000m at the Japan Championships between 2020 and 2024. She also claimed gold in the 3000m at the 2018 World U20 Championships. Tanaka has represented Japan at the World Championships in 2019, 2022, and 2023, as well as at World Cross Country Championships in 2019, 2023, and 2024, establishing herself as one of the country’s top distance runners.
“I am delighted to be part of Grand Slam Track™ and represent my country of Japan on the global stage,” Tanaka shared. “The level of competition is incredible, and I can already feel how much it’s going to challenge me. The lineup of other Racers is fantastic and I know I’m ready to give my best to be victorious. I can’t wait to showcase my speed in Grand Slam Track™ and look forward to seeing the fans at all of the Slams in 2025.”
Elise Cranny is an American middle and long-distance runner, known for her impressive achievements in the 5000m and 10000m. The Stanford alum is a two-time Olympic finalist in the 5000m, a four-time national champion, and the American record holder in the indoor 5000m and outdoor 3000m. She was also a part of the U.S. team that set the world record in the 4x1500m relay. Cranny competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials champion in the 5000m. In 2022, she broke the American indoor 5000m record (14:33.17) and claimed gold in the 5000m at the USA Outdoor Championships. Cranny also earned medals at the 2023 USA Outdoor Championships, winning both the 5000m and 10000m titles. She set the American record in the outdoor 3000m in August of 2024 with her time of 8:25.10.
“I’m honestly so excited to be part of Grand Slam Track™,” Cranny said. “It’s an incredible feeling to know I’m part of this extremely elite group of athletes who’ve set records and reached the top of their sport. But honestly, it’s more than just about the competition—it’s about what I can learn and how I can level up as an athlete. Every race is an opportunity to understand myself better, to see where I’m strong and where I can improve. I can’t wait to get racing.”
Daryll Neita is a British sprinter who has earned recognition on the global stage, particularly in the 100m and 200m events. She won silver in the 200m at the 2024 European Championships and has multiple global 4x100m relay medals, including Olympic bronze in 2016 and 2020, and Olympic silver in 2024. Neita's personal bests include 10.90 seconds in the 100m and 22.16 seconds in the 200m. A consistent performer, she has also claimed five national titles and medaled at major championships like the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, cementing her status as one of Britain's top sprinters.
“I’m really excited to be the first British woman announced as joining Grand Slam Track™, and can’t wait to start racing in this fresh new league,” said Neita. “I love the concept and getting to race twice in a weekend is fun and exciting for all of us as Racers. It’s an amazing opportunity to compete at the highest level in a whole new format that’s going to bring a lot of energy to the sport. I can’t wait to see how the season unfolds and race alongside some of the best athletes in the world. It’s going to be an incredible experience for the fans and athletes alike.”
Mary Moraa is a Kenyan middle-distance runner specializing in the 800 meters. Moraa earned the bronze medal in that event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She won gold in the 800m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and also earned bronze at the 2022 World Championships. Moraa is the Kenyan record holder for the 400 meters and holds the world record in the 600 meters. She was crowned the Diamond League 800m champion in 2022 and 2024 and has a personal best of 1:56.03 in the 800m. Moraa initially competed in the 400 meters before transitioning to the 800m in 2020, marking a rapid rise to the top of the sport.
“I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Grand Slam Track™,” said Moraa. "This is a big step for me, and I’m determined to work hard and give my absolute best in every race. Competing in all four Slam events will push me to be better and to keep growing as an athlete. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and know this is a chance to truly elevate my career, and represent Kenya on the global stage."
Salwa Eid Naser is a Bahraini sprinter who specializes in the 400 meters. Most recently, she earned silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She made history at the 2019 World Championships, winning gold in 48.14 seconds, the third-fastest performance of all time , and becoming the youngest-ever 400m world champion. Naser also claimed silver at the 2017 World Championships and bronze in the mixed-gender 4x400m relay in 2019. A two-time Diamond League 400m champion, she holds the top thirteen Asian performances in history.
“Joining Grand Slam Track™ is a huge opportunity, and I’m determined to keep pushing myself with every race,” said Naser. “This league presents an exciting challenge, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got. I know this season will push me to new limits, and I’m focused on making each race count. It’s all about working hard, getting better with each step, and showing up stronger every time.”
Each year, 48 athletes will be named as Grand Slam Track™ Racers. Today’s group of announced Racers takes the total unveiled to 37. The roster of Racers already announced features stars from across the world of track: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Melissa Jefferson, Masai Russell, Quincy Hall, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, Grant Fisher, Josh Kerr, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Ackera Nugent, Roshawn Clarke, Nikki Hiltz, Cyrena Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Alison Dos Santos, Ronald Kwemoi, Muzala Samukonga, Clement Ducos, Marileidy Paulino, Jess Hull, Daniel Roberts, Shamier Little, Marco Arop, Devon Allen, Jasmine Jones, Jereem Richards, Luis Grijalva, Rushell Clayton, Agnes Ngetich, & Tsigie Gebreselama. Fans can now be certain they will see all the superstars listed above in action in Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles in 2025.
The remaining 48 racers will be known as Grand Slam Track™ Challengers and will be paid a set appearance fee to compete at individual Slams. Grand Slam Track™ Challengers are chosen by the Grand Slam Track™ Racing Committee based on a combination of factors including recent performances, and the most intriguing athletes and matchups.
Racers and Challengers will be assigned to compete in one of the following categories, and will all race in two events during each Slam: short sprints (100m/200m), short hurdles (100H or 110H/100m), long sprints (200m/400m), long hurdles (400H/400m), short distance (800m/1500m), or long distance (3000m/5000m). All competitors’ final placement score will be determined by their combined finishing order between the two races. In the event of a tie across the two events, it will be the athlete who had the quickest combined time across the two races who will be deemed the winner. The winner of each Slam group will take home $100,000 in prize money, and the 8th place competitor will earn $10,000. Grand Slam Track™ will have a total of $12.6m of prize money that will be awarded across the slams each year in addition to the base compensation and appearance fees paid to racers.
The focus of Grand Slam Track™ is on head to head competition, not winning times. There will be no rabbits or pacing lights. Each Slam is equally as important as any other, will have its own prize purse, and will be independently scored, with points and previous finishes not carrying over to the following Slams. All racers will compete twice over the three-day event, and all Slam events will meet World Athletics regulations, with achieved marks being eligible for rankings and standards.
Racers will compete in their own sponsored kits, without traditional hip numbers or bibs. Racers and Challengers are encouraged to work with their sponsors to create customized kits, in their own desired style. Grand Slam Track™ has no affiliation or sponsorship agreement with any shoe company; all shoe companies are considered to be important stakeholders and partners in the promotion of our racers.
Grand Slam Track™ has secured more than $30 million in financial commitments from investors and strategic partners for the launch of the league. Winners Alliance, a global, athlete-centric
commercial solution and Johnson’s operating partner, was the lead investor in the first fundraising close for the new venture. The investment in the league will aid in Johnson’s ultimate goal: to develop better engagement with fans by promoting track and field’s biggest stars and reaching new audiences with unique, innovative storytelling.
Tickets for all four Slams will go on sale on Friday, December 6th, at 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern. To learn more, please visit https://grandslamtrack.com/events
World Athletics announces groundbreaking World Athletics Ultimate Championship
World Athletics has unveiled the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, a bold new addition to the athletics calendar designed to determine the ultimate champions of the sport. The inaugural event will take place over three thrilling evenings from September 11-13, 2026, at the Budapest National Athletics Centre in Hungary.
This revolutionary event will feature 28 events across 16 disciplines, including marquee clashes in the 100m, pole vault, and the introduction of a mixed 4x100m relay. Athletes will vie for a share of the US$10 million prize pot, with $150,000 awarded to the champions in each event.
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship will be held every two years, bridging the gap in years without a World Championships. Its fast-paced, television-friendly format promises to deliver an electrifying experience for fans both in-stadium and around the world. Each session will last under three hours, ensuring non-stop action and showcasing the world’s best athletes competing head-to-head while representing their national teams in their respective kits.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the event as a "game-changer" for the sport. “This new global event will be a game-changer for our sport and for our athletes. We want to bring our fans athletics like they have never seen it before – with the best of the best athletes in our sport competing head-to-head in a passion-fuelled, high-octane festival of sport,” said Coe.
The competition will span 28 events, combining traditional track and field disciplines with innovative additions. Track events include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 100m/110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, and mixed 4x100m and mixed 4x400m relays. Field events will feature pole vault, high jump, long jump, triple jump (women), hammer throw (men), and javelin throw.
World Athletics has partnered with Tata Communications and HBS as host broadcasters, leveraging their expertise to deliver an innovative and immersive viewing experience. The agreement builds on a five-year deal covering World Athletics Series events. Infront has been appointed to lead international media rights sales, focusing on free-to-air platforms to maximize global reach and ensure that fans everywhere can experience the excitement.
“Tata Communications is thrilled to partner with World Athletics for the Ultimate Championship, a groundbreaking addition to the global track and field calendar,” said Dhaval Ponda, Tata Communications Vice President and Global Media Head. HBS CEO Dan Miodownik highlighted the event’s potential for innovation, stating, “It is a real opportunity to help shape the way coverage of athletics evolves over the coming years.”
The Ultimate Championship will return to the Budapest National Athletics Centre, which hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Hungarian Secretary of State for Sports Adam Schmidt celebrated the announcement, noting Budapest’s growing reputation as a global sports hub. “It is a great honour that after the exhilarating World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, the wonderful National Athletics Centre will once again open its doors for a major international sporting event,” Schmidt said.
World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon emphasized the event’s focus on engaging fans with constant, fast-paced action. “The Ultimate Championship is also a chance for us to really innovate how we deliver our sport, presenting it in new formats and across different platforms designed to keep the entire venue engaged,” Ridgeon said.
With its innovative format, star-studded athlete lineup, and a prize pool designed to attract the best in the world, the World Athletics Ultimate Championship is poised to redefine how athletics is presented and consumed globally. The event promises to set a new standard for excitement and fan engagement, ushering in a new era for the sport.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
